Last Reviewed by MLTC: 12/11/2025
Guidance from American Farmland Trust on establishing, drafting, and stewarding agricultural conservation easements, including federal Agricultural Land Easement program requirements and Massachusetts-specific policy resources.
Documents:
1.Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements Toolkit (American Farmland Trust)
Provides clear guidance for eligible entities on participating in USDA’s Agricultural Land Easements program, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and stewardship obligations.
Resource: https://farmlandinfo.org/acep-ale-for-entities
2. Drafting Conservation Easements for Agriculture (American Farmland Trust; March 05, 2019)
Outlines key drafting considerations and recommended clauses for agricultural conservation easements, with an emphasis on protecting long-term farm viability.
Resource: https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/drafting-conservation-easements-for-agriculture