Preserving the Future: Massachusetts' Farmland Action Plan Empowers Next-Generation Farmers
Massachusetts' Department of Agricultural Resources has implemented a groundbreaking deed restriction program that has enabled Ryan MacKay, a first-generation farmer, to establish Lilac Hedge Farm in Holden and Rutland. Through this innovative initiative, MacKay has been able to acquire over 500 acres of protected farmland, allowing him to raise livestock, produce ice cream, and deliver a wide range of products to more than 700 consumers across the state. This article explores the impact of this program, the challenges facing Massachusetts' agricultural sector, and the state's comprehensive Farmland Action Plan aimed at securing a sustainable future for farming in the Commonwealth.Unlocking Opportunities for the Next Generation of Farmers
Overcoming the Hurdles of Land Acquisition
Before securing his own farmland, Ryan MacKay had been leasing multiple properties, a common challenge faced by aspiring farmers. However, the state's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program proved to be a game-changer, allowing him to purchase over 500 acres of protected farmland. This program, which limits the use of property to farming, made it possible for MacKay, a first-generation farmer, to afford the land and establish his thriving operation.Preserving the Legacy of Dairy Farming
MacKay's journey is rooted in a long lineage of dairy farmers, dating back to his great-grandfather, William MacKay, who founded Lilac Hedge Dairy in Worcester in 1898. The family's dairy business continued for decades, even after the cows were discontinued in 1927, until the merger with Sunshine Dairy in 1965. This rich history has inspired MacKay to carry on the family's agricultural legacy, diversifying his operations to include livestock, ice cream production, and a robust distribution network.Advocating for the Future of Farming
In addition to his role as a farmer, MacKay serves as the vice president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, a key organization behind the creation of the state's Farmland Action Plan. This comprehensive document aims to protect existing farmland, increase land availability for farming, and ensure access to land for underserved populations, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as migrant communities.Addressing the Challenges of Sustainability
The Farmland Action Plan recognizes the critical need to ensure the economic viability of farms in Massachusetts. It seeks to devise strategies to help farmers earn a living from their labor, expand local markets, educate consumers, and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their products. The plan also addresses the pressing issue of farmland succession, aiming to protect land for the next generation of farmers.Fostering Food Independence and Security
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of food independence for Massachusetts, as the state grappled with the challenges of relying on out-of-state producers and open supply lines. The Farmland Action Plan aims to address this vulnerability by increasing local food production and reducing the Commonwealth's dependence on external sources.Empowering Farmers and Building Public Support
Farmers like MacKay and Samantha Staebner of Whittier Farms in Sutton have welcomed the Farmland Action Plan, recognizing it as a positive step towards supporting the agricultural sector. However, they emphasize the need for the state to go beyond just preserving farmland and focus on creating viable markets, educating the public, and building community support for local agriculture.Addressing the Farmland Crisis
The Farmland Action Plan comes at a critical time, as Massachusetts faces a significant loss of farmland. According to the plan's coordinator, Katherine Otto, the state has lost more than 113,000 acres of farmland since the turn of the century and is expected to lose another 50,000 to 89,000 acres in the coming years. This translates to the potential loss of 1,200 farms, $91 million in economic impact, and 4,900 jobs.Implementing a Comprehensive Approach
The Farmland Action Plan aims to address this crisis through a multifaceted approach. It calls for the state to survey its own properties, as well as municipal, tribal, and privately owned lands, to identify new areas for farming. The plan also emphasizes the need to revise land-leasing contracts to provide longer-term security for farmers, allowing them to invest in the land and reap the benefits of their efforts.Educating the Public and Building Awareness
A crucial component of the Farmland Action Plan is the focus on educating the public about the importance of local farms, the benefits of fresh, locally produced food, and the role of agriculture in the local economy. Farmers like Krisanne Koebke of Walnut Lane Farm in Dudley emphasize that without this public awareness and support, farmland preservation efforts will be futile.Fostering Collaboration and Community Engagement
The Farmland Action Plan recognizes the need for a whole-state, whole-community approach to supporting agriculture. It calls for the involvement of various stakeholders, including realtors, land-use attorneys, mechanics, and municipal officials, to build a comprehensive support system for farmers and farmland preservation.As the Farmland Action Plan prepares for its formal rollout in the coming year, the future of farming in Massachusetts looks brighter. With the dedication of farmers like Ryan MacKay, the support of organizations like the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, and the state's commitment to protecting and empowering the agricultural sector, the Commonwealth is poised to secure a sustainable and thriving future for its farming communities.
