The Community Farm Advisory Committee (CFAC) met virtually Thursday eve, December 17, 2020.  Local farmer Kevin Overshiner of Upswing Farm informed the board members he and his wife have purchased a farm near the Massachusetts/N.H. border. They will not be renting space at the Community Farm this upcoming growing season.

Overshiner requested permission to leave his portable farm stand at the Rogers Road site to carry out his weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, as he maintains a portion of his farming activities in the local area. The board approved Overshiner’s request.

Overshiner noted that one of his farm workers, Melissa Murphy, will not be joining him at the new Pepperal, MA, location.  She intends to pursue some farm activity at the Community Farm.  Board members agreed to discuss Murphy’s options at a meeting in the near future.

Committee members discussed increasing the rental price for garden plots at the farm from $50 to $60 per growing season. Because the first plot for the 2021 season has been paid by a newcomer to town, the $50 price will remain.

When the subject of planning for future farm events was discussed, a “wait and see” attitude about several yearly events hung in limbo. Concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and  social distancing may lead to cancellation of the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt and the greenhouse classes for younger students (a joint effort between the farm and the Parks and Recreation Dept.).

Board members suggested selling vegetable seedlings in the spring, taking online orders.  Customers could then pick up their custom orders at a safe social distance.

The Committee discussed the subject of the overgrown trails at the farm. Board members hope the 1.4 miles of walkways can see the light of day with help from local scouts.