Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Milestone of Permanently Preserving More Than 1,000 Farm Properties in Massachusetts

Salisbury — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating the preservation of more than 1,000 farms through its Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program. For nearly 50 years, the APR program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), has helped protect farmland across the state. It was the first program of its kind in the nation and has permanently preserved more than 75,000 acres, supporting the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts farmers feed our communities, strengthen our local economy and preserve the landscapes that define so many parts of our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For nearly 50 years, the APR program has helped keep farmland affordable and in agricultural use for future generations. Reaching this milestone of more than 1,000 permanently protected farms reflects our commitment to supporting local agriculture, protecting our food supply and ensuring farming continues to thrive across Massachusetts.”

“Farms are at the heart of communities across Massachusetts and play an important role in our economy, culture and way of life,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Programs like APR help farmers put down roots for the long term, support the next generation entering agriculture and ensure these working lands remain part of our communities for decades to come.”

Today, state agricultural leaders and officials, along with farmland protection organizations and advocates, gathered at Bartlett Farm in Salisbury to celebrate the milestone. In 1980, Bartlett Farm became the first to participate in the APR program, protecting a portion of its land. The farm has added more acreage over time with the most recent acquisition placing the entire property under the APR program. This ensures the farm will remain in agricultural use for generations to come.

“For nearly 50 years, the APR program has helped protect more than 75,000 acres of working farmland across the state. That means farmers can keep growing food on land they can count on, while also protecting clean water, healthy soil, and open spaces in our communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Protecting farmland is one of the most practical ways we can support local food, care for our natural resources, and keep our communities healthy. That’s why investing in this program matters.”

“With so many challenges that our farming community continues to face in their day-to-day lives and operations, the APR program provides much needed financial relief to current farmers, along with the peace of mind that their farmland will be preserved forever,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “The next generation of farmers will benefit by having more affordable access to these farmlands, allowing Massachusetts agriculture to continue to thrive.”

The APR program works by partnering with local land trusts, municipalities, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to protect farmland. Through the program, landowners are paid the difference between the “fair market value” and the “agricultural value” of their land in exchange for a permanent restriction that keeps the land in agriculture. This approach makes farmland more affordable and accessible for farmers, strengthens the local food system, and protects natural resources and biodiversity across the state. Because the land is valued for agriculture, it remains more affordable when it is sold, helping ensure future farmers can continue to work the land.

"Local farms provide us with fresh, high-quality food, contribute to our economy, maintain open space, and are part of our Massachusetts identity,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester). "The APR program is a valuable tool for state partnership in not only preserving these farms but also giving them resilience and vitality. The milestone of 1,000 farmland properties reflects a history of success and a future of opportunity.”

“I grew up on a multi-generational family farm knowing firsthand the hard work and commitment that agriculture demands,” said Representative Dawne Shand (D – Newburyport). “I am in awe of the Bartlett family’s achievement and the foresight they have shown in preserving these lands.”

"Healthy communities begin with fresh food and strong local farms. The preservation of 1,000 farm properties through the APR program is a major milestone for our Commonwealth,” said Senator and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Dylan Fernandes (D – Plymouth and Barnstable). “Protecting farmland helps ensure future generations can continue to grow fresh, local food while strengthening our economy, improving food security, and building a more sustainable future."

"The APR Program has been one of the most beneficial efforts to support agriculture in Massachusetts," said Representative and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Aaron Saunders (D – Belchertown), "I look forward to our continued work to provide affordable and dedicated agricultural land to Massachusetts' farmers." 

Greenbelt has long been committed to conserving the best working farmland in Essex County. Today we celebrate a milestone - the protection of a farm that has been in the same family since the 17th Century,” said Essex County Land Trust President Christopher LaPointe. “That commitment to a community, a piece of ground, and a way of life is meaningful and inspiring. We're grateful to the Bartlett family - past and present - for their stewardship and their commitment to agriculture and conservation and we salute our friends and partners at MDAR on this, their 1,000th APR. The APR program has been a national leader in farmland conservation and affordability, and the legacy of conserved farms and affordable farmland access is something for all of us in Massachusetts to be proud of.”

“388 years ago in 1638, my ancestor, Abraham Morrill, came to Salisbury with 50 other families. We are now the 11th generation farming this land with the 12th on the way when my nephew finishes his sustainable agriculture studies in college,” said Bartlett Farm Owner Donna Bartlett. “My parents instilled in my siblings and I the love of our heritage, the love of the farm, and the importance of preserving farmland in Massachusetts. My sisters and I thank MDAR for the APR program that ensures the future preservation of this farm. It’s hard to imagine what it will be like in another 388 years but with the APR program, we hope it will still be an operating farm in good hands.”

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