Report Reveals "Agriculture’s Hold on the Commonwealth"

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• Executive Summary (356K)

• The Changing Landscape of Massachusetts Agriculture (392K)

• Food Marketing and Lumber Processing in Massachusetts (146K)

• Food Self-Sufficiency in the New England States (36K)
  --attached tables (.doc format)
  --attached tables (.pdf format)

• Case Studies of Farm and Forestry Programs (54K)

Massachusetts agriculture today shows promise as a dynamic and vital industry, according to a new report published by the University of Massachusetts’ Donahue Institute in conjunction with the state Department of Agricultural Resources. "Agriculture’s Hold on the Commonwealth" credits local farmers’ ability to respond to challenges for the industry’s bright outlook.

Though Massachusetts farms are small, local farmers are discovering ways to make their farms more viable by getting the most from each acre, according to the report. Though Massachusetts ranks only 43^rd among all states in agricultural production, it ranks 14^th in net farm income per farm and fourth in net farm income per acre.

Bay State farmers are remaining viable despite challenges such as higher labor and other production costs than in many other states. Among other challenges Massachusetts farmers face:

• The Massachusetts growing season is short and taking measures to extend the season are costly.
• The percentage of the consumer dollar going to farmers has dropped; a larger portion now goes to cover costs within the food processing, transportation, and retailing sectors of the economy.
• The state’s strong economy and its proximity to large population centers exert pressure to develop farmland for alternative uses.

Massachusetts farmers have responded to these challenges and found ways to benefit from their close proximity to consumers. The report includes a case study of one farm that has remained profitable by diversifying its production and marketing activities. By direct marketing through a farmstand, engaging in value-added enterprises such as baked goods and selling the farm experience through agri-tourism, the farmer has been able to keep the farm in business.

The state’s level of self-sufficiency in products important to Massachusetts agriculture has climbed from 19 percent in 1975 to nearly 32 percent in 1997.

"Agriculture’s Hold on the Commonwealth," written by UMass faculty members David Holm, Dan Lass, Richard Rogers, and David Damery, also includes a look at the state’s food processing and forestry sectors.

"I know this publication will prove to be most useful to a wide audience. It should certainly help policy makers understand the importance of agriculture to our economy and communities," said Jonathan L. Healy, Massachusetts Commissioner of Agricultural Resources. "It should also help established and new-entry farmers in making sound business decisions."