University:
Boston University
Course:
QST BA 472 | Business Experiments and Causal Methods
Academic year:

2024
Views:

52

Pages:

9
Author:

Hanusia3lug

Improving farmland preservation via legislation, state grants, and public engagement. Areas of Opportunity for Preservation Main Sources: ● Conservation Services ● ● Expansion of Grant Programs ● Changes in Zoning Codes ● Increased education / outreach Bob O’Connor - Director of MA Jen Boudrie - Agricultural Land Use Outreach Contractor ● MA Food Policy Council ● American Farmland Trust The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program ● ● ● Created in 1977 to increase local food production and agricultural land. Purchases a permanent deed restriction on the land. As of 2018: ○ ○ ● Protected more than 71,000 acres of MA farmland. 909 APR contracts in 13 of 14 MA counties. Targets commercial farm operations, like most federal and state assistance programs. Case Study: Caretaker Farm (Williamstown, MA) Photo Credit: Caretaker Farm Case Study: Caretaker Farm (Williamstown, MA) ● ● Permanently protected by an APR status. Ownership shared between: ○ MDAR APR will Contract (agricultural land) a common meeting Caretaker Farm always provide ○ Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (farmstead and ground and source of local nourishment, both material agricultural land) and spiritual, for all who yearn for abiding community. ○ New farmers ○ ● Smiths Continues to train apprentice farmers and support the local food system. Case Study: Urban Farming Institute (Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan) Photo Credit: Shelby Larsson Case Study: Urban Farming Institute (Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan) ● ● ● ● Founded in 2011 to revitalize the local food system and neighborhood experience. Has trained 150+ urban farmers, 80% of which work in the industry. Produces more than 15,000lbs of food for local restaurants and markets, and hosts more than 600 visitors each year. Receives MDAR grants to improve infrastructure and transport. But could use APR! Photo Credit: Shelby Larsson Improvements for the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program Recommendations for Assisting Community Farms ● Clearer program regulations ● Transparent application processes ● More relevant program criteria ● Establish channels for community outreach & education