WILBRAHAM – On Feb. 11, Wilbraham’s Board of Selectmen made two appointments to the Agricultural Commission.

Wilbraham has an Agricultural Commission with five members including Commission Chair, Robert Anderson. The mission of The Agricultural Commission is, “to represent the farming community, encourage the pursuit of agriculture, promote agriculture-based economic activities, and preserve, revitalize and sustain the Town's agricultural businesses and lands.”

According to the town’s website, the job of the Agricultural Commission is to protect agricultural lands, provide a voice for farmers and encourage agricultural-based businesses.

Daniel Fernandes of Wilbraham was the candidate interviewing for the fifth position on the Commission. For the past four years Fernendes and his father have been restoring the orchard across from Rice’s Fruit Farm on Main Street in Wilbraham. They started the pick your own apples and pumpkins two years ago and have a great working relationship with the owners of Rice’s Fruit farm to help facilitate the pick your own apples and pumpkins during the fall. Fernandes officially purchased the orchard in July of 2018. “We have plans to expand the orchard and offer more options in the future,” Fernandes commented.

Fernandes decided to join the Agricultural Committee so he can get more involved in the community and so he can help to encourage local agriculture.

“This is something that the town of Wilbraham was built on and the community should strive to keep. As a right of a farm community everyone should have the ability to farm and enjoy the ability to grow and raise their own food,” he said.

Another topic that was discussed with the Selectmen was Anderson’s decision to step down as chair of the Commission at the end of February. The new chairman will be Brian Cunningham.

The Board of Selectmen passed both of these appointments unanimously.