The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) is seeking input for the possible future administration of a private Agricultural Preservation Restriction (“APR”) program to assist with implementing the goals of the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan (“MFAP”). Specifically, MDAR is seeking input as to how it may be able to provide financial assistance for the protection of farmland in the Commonwealth through supporting the acquisitions of private APRs by eligible entities. MDAR is looking into possible ways to support eligible entities, including but not limited to, municipalities and nonprofit organizations whose purposes include conservation of land or water in the Commonwealth (e.g., a land trust/conservancy or similar organization) within the Commonwealth. MDAR recognizes that representation in an organization is important for authentic support of Historically Underserved Farmers and encourages information from organizations that represent Historically Underserved Farmers to respond.
