Settlement Clears Way for Permaculture Food Forest in Canton

A settlement with the Inland Wetlands Agency would allow a Canton resident to move forward with a "permaculture food forest."

Jeffrey Pardo is looking to "create a low maintenance, sustainable plant-based food production and agroforesty system" on his property at 11 Westview Drive, also known as Abi Gezunt Farm. 

However, a disagreement had ensued over whether the agency had jurisdiction to regulate the activity and earlier this year the agency denied it as a "of right" use. Pardo appealed the decision

In the settlement, to be approved by the court, the parties agreed to move away from language debating whether current activity on the property consists of an established agricultural use. Rather the plan states that establishing cropland in two acres — with agency oversight — will qualify it for an agricultural exemption, allowing for future expansion. 

The farming operation would emphasize plants that fit into the forest ecosystem and uses layers, companion planting and a heavy use of perennials. 

See more in our earlier story.