Weston AgCom Approves Minutes, Eyes Broader Outreach to Local Farmers

WESTON — October 6, 2021 — Weston's Agricultural Commission debated outreach strategy and invasive species management at its October 6 virtual meeting, approving its August minutes and scheduling a follow-up session for December 1. A member identified as Avery presented a spreadsheet of 31 Chapter 61A properties drawn from town records, filtered to show roughly 70 large-lot parcels not yet enrolled in the agricultural tax classification program, but members cautioned the commission should prioritize active farmers over tax-motivated landowners. The group agreed to seek guidance from a town official identified as Leon before any direct outreach, settling on the town website as the primary notice channel. Japanese knotweed, porcelain berry, and bittersweet dominated a lengthy invasive species discussion, with one member named as Kent describing organic techniques for suppressing competitive weeds without herbicides. Member Lilia Elliston reported success using Nextdoor to recruit six farming families to her property, including a Wellesley Girl Scout troop now growing produce for a local food pantry.