We petition the Town of Eastham, Massachusetts (and members of the select board) to adapt the Right To Farm Bylaw.

We the members of the town want to state with emphasis the importance of select board quickly making the necessary steps to ensure the citizens farms both big and small are protected in our town. 

By signing this petition we are asking for this item (Eastham adopting a right to farm bylaw) to be added to the warrant. The town will then be able to vote to amend the General Bylaws by adopting a Right to Farm Bylaw. 

A right-to-farm bylaw is a general bylaw that encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture-based economic opportunities, and protects farmlands within the community by allowing agricultural uses and related activities to function with minimal conflict with abutters and town agencies.

Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution ensures “the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural...and other natural resources.” By stating that no local Zoning By-Law may prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for the use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture.