About the projects
Announced in 2025, the Massachusetts Farmland Partnership Program (FPP) is a new grant program to help implement the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan (MFAP) at the local, regional and statewide level.
The following is a list of all the projects funded through the Farmland Partnership Program for 2026-2027 that are related to Goal I: Accelerate the permanent protection and stewardship of farmland.
Additional information, including links to resources and deliverables will be added as they become available.
Each of the projects have a Project Factsheet which is available below. These factsheets will be updated as additional information becomes available. Project factsheets include the following information and more:
- Project name
- Short description of the project
- Information about which Action and Task from the MFAP is being implemented
- Which partners are working on the project
- Contact information if you have questions
- Map and description of the area the project serves
There are two other types of projects - Farmland Access and Farm Viability - for implementing the Farmland Action Plan. Please click on the links below to view those projects.
Municipal Farmland Protection Plans
What this project will do
- Develop a process and model for developing municipal Farmland Protection Plans with communities of varying sizes and characteristics.
- Identify incentives and barriers that could be addressed that would encourage creation of Farmland Protection Plans.
- Work with 6 municipalities to develop Municipal Farmland Protection Plans.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- 2/7/2026 Greenfield Reporter article about the project
Education on zoning and planning tools that reduce farmland loss
What this project will do
- Provide education on zoning bylaws, best practices, municipal planning documents, and policies/procures related to conservation subdivisions and compact development that supports farmland protection.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- Sign up for Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Projects Newsletter
Increase pool of appraisers, surveyors and attorneys for farmland protection
What this project will do
- Assess needs and barriers, build relationships, and provide training and resources to increase the pool of appraisers, surveyors and attorneys needed for farmland protection transactions.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- View the MLTC Service Provider Directory
Build awareness of importance of farm viability in land protection
What this project will do
- Education and technical assistance for land trusts connecting the importance of farm viability to farmland protection processes.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- 3/13/2026 Presentation at Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition's Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference (Coming soon!)
Municipal preparedness for land acquisition
What this project will do
- Engage municipalities and build capacity of municipalities respond to Right of First Refusal (ROFR).
- Identify needs and resources for restriction-holding entities in relation to 61A preservation.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- Sign up for Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Projects Newsletter
Municipal workshops on Chapter 61A and Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
What this project will do
- Develop and implement a municipal workshop series on topics relevant to preservation of Chapter 61A lands and Right of First Refusal
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- Sign up for Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Projects Newsletter
Municipal training on Chapter 61A
What this project will do
- Municipal training, topical consulting sessions, and one-on-one technical assistance for municipal representatives in relation to Rights of First Refusal (ROFRs) and protection of Chapter 61A properties.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- Sign up for Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Projects Newsletter
Using Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for Chapter 61A land
What this project will do
- Create informational materials on the use of CPA funds for acquisition of Chapter 61A lands.
- Provide technical assistance to municipalities about how CPA funds can be used to support farmland protection as it relates to ROFRs.
Learn more
- Project factsheet which includes information about what is being done, who is working on the project, area served and more (linked below)
- Sign up for Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Projects Newsletter