Last Reviewed by MLTC: 12/11/2025
Resources offering overviews of agricultural land protection policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels, with a focus on Massachusetts tools such as the APR program and AFT’s statewide guidance.
Documents:
1. Massachusetts Farmland Protection Options: A Guide for Landowners, Land Trusts, and Municipalities (Kathleen Doherty, September 5, 2025)
Guide for Massachusetts landowners, land trusts, and municipalities outlining farmland protection options, program comparisons, and case studies.
Resource: https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/massachusetts-farmland-protection-options-guide
2. Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources)
Official state resource explaining the structure, purpose, and requirements of the Massachusetts APR Program, including eligibility and program administration.
Resource: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/agricultural-preservation-restriction-apr-program-details
3. Farmland Protection Policies & Programs (American Farmland Trust)
Provides an overview of federal, state, and local farmland protection approaches, including the USDA ACEP-ALE program and the Farmland Protection Policy Act.
Resource: Farmland Protection Policies and Programs - FIC
4. Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan: Roles for Land Trusts (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Katharine Otto, September 18, 2024)
Brief guidance on how land trusts can support the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan through local planning, outreach, and strategic conservation efforts. Highlights practical roles land trusts can play in advancing statewide farmland protection priorities.
Resource: Presentation