Ag Committee Weighs Signage Rules, Support for Small Farmers on OMP

(Editor’s Note: A big thank-you to OMP resident Molly Stretten, who will be covering the Agriculture Advisory Committee meetings for the Gazette. Read on for her notes from last week’s meeting, where agritourism, signage rules, and support for small farmers remain key topics. -jb)

It was a full board at the most recent meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) on Tuesday.

For those unfamiliar with the committee, the AAC is composed primarily of local farmers: Chris Baldyga, Jen Bramer, Dave Edmondson, Raul Gomez, Nancy Heller, Jed Hemming and John Kroupa, with alternate members Garrett Coggon and Nicholas Johnson. Because the AAC is a subcommittee of the Planning Commission, Kevin Beard (PC chair) also attends monthly meetings, and Maura Sanders participates as the Township Board representative.

Formed nearly a year ago, the AAC has spent its inaugural year tackling several major tasks, including defining agritourism, drafting proposed agricultural sign-ordinance language, and identifying ways to support small farmers and new entrants to agriculture on Old Mission Peninsula.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month starting at 2 p.m. in the Township Hall. The general public and Old Mission farmers are encouraged to attend, and minutes from prior months can be found here.

Tuesday’s meeting began with some housekeeping. The committee offered a warm farewell and deep thanks to resigning member Erin Hafeli for her tremendous work over the past year. As an original member, Erin served as the committee’s secretary and distinguished herself as a skilled researcher, AI enthusiast, and all-around asset to the group. Stepping in as interim secretary for the next month will be Maura Sanders.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed sign-ordinance language currently under review by the Planning Commission — specifically, the question of temporary signage used to advertise seasonal produce at farms and roadside stands. Chris Baldyga questioned why signage is limited to certain months of the year, noting that some farmers such as maple syrup producers require the ability to advertise during all 12 months.

The majority of the committee also agreed that incidental signs — directional signage placed on a farmer’s own property — should not be constrained by township ordinance.

Finally, the committee turned to potential agenda items for 2026. Members agreed there is a significant gap in the current ordinance when it comes to supporting small processors and growers, emphasizing that small-scale, value-added agriculture represents the future of farming.

Jed Hemming noted that Old Mission has the potential to add 1,000 additional homes in the coming years — along with the traffic that would accompany them — and stressed that the most effective way to preserve the rural character residents cherish is to support and expand farming on the peninsula.

– Molly Stretten

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