Agricultural Advisory Committee PIG BT Fact Sheet PIG BT FAQs Board of Adjustment Deer Management Advisory Committee Environmental Commission Golf Advisory Committee Green Team Library Board of Trustees Municipal Alliance Open Space Advisory Committee Recreation, Parks & Pathways Advisory Committee Planning Board Pool Commission Sewerage Authority Shade Tree Commission

Boards & Commissions

Agricultural Advisory Committee

On October 12, 2004, the Bernards Township Committee created the Bernards Township Agricultural Task Force through adoption of Resolution #040390. The Committee indicated that the Agricultural Task Force was to consist of four active farmers, one resident non farmer, a member of the Township Committee, a member of the Planning Board, Township Engineer, the Planning Board Planner, liaisons from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Somerset County Agricultural Development Board. The term of the Agricultural Task Force extended through 12/31/2004.

Beginning in September and extending through December 2004, the Bernards Agricultural Task Force (ATF) convened a series of meetings to respond to the Township Committee's request for a report on farmland preservation in Bernards Township. The ATF investigated whether farmland preservation through the purchase of development easements is feasible and appropriate in Bernards Township.

Download the Bernards Township Agricultural Task Force Report & Recommendations to the Bernards Township Committee.

Mission Statement:

To support the Agricultural community and its continued contribution to the quality of life in Bernards Township, by preserving agricultural land, providing advocacy for agricultural viability and promoting public education.

Goals:

Identify issues facing local agricultural enterprises and provide recommendations for resolution
Continue the sustainable use of economically viable farmland for production through farmland preservation options
Promote local agriculture through municipal activities
Provide education to agricultural community to meet future economic challenges
Promote community interest in agriculturally related activities
Foster responsible stewardship of land
Promote communication and cooperation among farmers and the public
Communicate, educate and promote contributions made by agriculture to the local community

Membership:

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is made up of five members and two alternate members. In addition, the Agricultural Advisory Committee includes staff, consultants and liaisons to county and state organizations appointed at the beginning of each year when it reorganizes.

Name	Membership	Term Expires
David Banisch	Planning Advisor	12/31/2009
John Carpenter	Township Committee Liaison	12/31/2009
John Gray	Regular	12/31/2009
Mariellen Keefe	Alternate 1	12/31/2010
Anthony McCraken Sr.	Advisor	12/31/2009
Tyson Mertz	Regular	12/31/2011
Peter Messina	Advisor	12/31/2009
James Milito	Regular	12/31/2009
Mary Pavlini	TC Voting Member	12/31/2011
Nick Polanin	Advisor	12/31/2009
Catherine Sorge	Regular	12/31/2009

Meeting Schedule:

The Agricultural Advisory Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday after the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Additional meetings may be scheduled.

January 22, 2009
February 19, 2009
March 19, 2009
April 23, 2009
May 21, 2009
June 18, 2009
July 23, 2009
August 20, 2009
September 24, 2009
October 22, 2009
November 19, 2009
December 24, 2009

Contact:

AgriculturalAdvisory@bernards.org