Farms getting boost in town
Bylaw aimed at quieting conflict
By Taryn Plumb, Globe Correspondent August 21, 2008
A century ago, Newbury was nearly all farmland - green, rolling, idyllic.
But as is the case with many other towns in Massachusetts - and across the country - houses have slowly dotted the rolling hills; subdivisions have taken the place of grazing cows and wind-blown cornfields.
In an effort to preserve the farms that remain, residents in Newbury have approved a Right to Farm bylaw. It stresses the town's stance on agriculture - that it should be allowed to operate even if it causes discomfort to some - in an attempt to diminish conflict between farm operators and abutters.
"Most of the developments you see are subdivisions of what used to be farms," said Vincent Russo, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Some people are "trying desperately to keep Newbury from becoming a complete bedroom community." Read More
The importance of agriculture in places like Maryland and Massachusetts has been highlighted by the loss the farmland and open spaces. Farmland preservation has been quite successful due to dedicated individuals, organizations and local governments. These areas have realized the importance of telling the story of agriculture and have been working hard to make sure it has a future in these areas.
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