The Edgartown conservation commission has reached an agreement on a lease with the Trustees of Reservations regarding Katama Farm, the 186-acre property formerly leased to the Farm Institute by the town of Edgartown.
The Edgartown conservation commission has reached an agreement on a lease with The Trustees of Reservations regarding Katama Farm, the 186-acre property formerly leased to the Farm Institute by the town of Edgartown.
Selectmen took the proposed lease under advisement, and intend to vote on the agreement at their regular meeting next week. If approved, the new lease will begin a new 40-year term for the agreement.
Trustees will continue Farm Institute's programs at Katama farm.
Trustees will continue Farm Institute's programs at Katama farm.
A year ago the Trustees and the Farm Institute agreed to integrate their organizations with the intent of continuing educational programs and food production, while bringing financial stability to the farm along with expanded programming.
“The conservation commission has been negotiating with the Trustees and the Farm Institute,” said Edward (Peter) Vincent, chairman of the town’s conservation commission, which oversees the property. “They have agreed to accept the lease on the property with a few amendments. They are committed to continue to focus of the Farm Institute on the farm,”
Among the amendments is an increase in the rent. The Trustees have agreed to pay $12,500 per year, which is approximately the amount the town would collect in taxes if the parcel was privately owned.
Another clause in the lease mandates at least 50 per cent of the products sold from the farm are produced on the premises, or elsewhere on Martha’s Vineyard. As much as 40 per cent of the products can come from other Island farms, but only 10 per cent can be imported from off-Island.
“Our main intent was that they can’t bring a whole bunch of stuff from off-Island and sell it in competition with other farms,” Mr. Vincent said.
There is also a provision that requires the authorization of selectmen if the farm starts a community supported agriculture (CSA) program to sell meat and produce.
Executives of both the Farm Institute and the Trustees said the farm programs, including summer camps, Island school discounts, free programs and scholarships will continue.
“There are some provisions in the lease that outline the Trustees’ commitment to our program,” said Farm Institute executive director Jon Previant. “The intention is the Farm Institute will still be the operating agent.”
“It sounds like a healthy, positive relationship,” said selectman Art Smadbeck.
Comments
really only $12,500 in taxes
Bob Edgartownreally only $12,500 in taxes if privately owned? Sounds like the best deal on the island.
Integrating is the process of
Douglas Korves Always on IslandIntegrating is the process of putting to together various parts and combine them into a whole. It is a process, not an instant act. The process should be evaluated and tested over time - 5, 10, 20, 30 years. This should be especially true, when an organization signs a 40 year agreement.
I know that it is custom on the Vineyard to sign long term agreements whether it is for a small ferry or an airport district business. How is it possible that all things have been considered and that all the possible evolutions, business models, crop models, environmental changes and regulations have been allowed a format for change and restructuring?
Why wasn't a review at 10 year intervals included. Is there a formula to change the rent? That rent is base more on the use as private farmland or preserve verses "private estate or residential use." What does Morning Glory Farm pay per acre under planting? Why not raise the percentage of off-island products when the land is fallow off-season?
The Farm Institute changes its leadership and management model, a search is on for a new manager, their is a visiting manager 2-3 days a week, but is not a 40 year agreement, at this time, putting the horse behind the plow?
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