FOREWORD 



The year 1980 marks the beginning 

 of a new decade, and there are signs 

 that we may be entering a new era for 

 agriculture in Massachusetts. 



Both the recent U.S. Census of 

 Agriculture and the farm statistics 

 recorded here show that farms and 

 farmland acreage are holding steady 

 in Massachusetts. The downward 

 slide, a fact of life since World 

 War II, has apparently stopped. We 

 believe Massachusetts agriculture 

 is turning the corner. 



We are finding a much greater understanding and interest by the general public 

 in the agriculture of our state. The demand for local produce is increasing at 

 roadside farm stands and supermarkets. Food coops are also asking for more "Massa- 

 chusetts grown and fresher" goods and farmers markets have proliferated sevenfold 

 in the last five years. Our Department continues to seek an increase in the market 

 for Massachusetts grown foods and food products through all channels of trade, and 

 welcomes your suggestions and participation in this effort. 



Another focal point has been the land issue. The response to the farmland 

 preservation program has been gratifying and the support and funding provided by 

 the Legislature and the Governor have been outstanding. 



These and many other Departmental programs are explained in our annual report, 

 which is combined in this publication with the yearly agricultural statistics 

 bulletin. 



As seen in the summary on page 42, recorded cash receipts from farm market- 

 ings in Massachusetts showed a three per cent increase over the previous twelve 

 months. Receipts were up or held steady in 14 of the 23 major farm categories. 

 The adverse impact of inflation is of course not factored into these statistics. 



The estimated retail value of Massachusetts foods produced locally in 1980 

 is nearly $1 billion, and the retail value of plants and floral products grown in 

 the state is another $75 million. Massachusetts is the number one cranberry pro- 

 ducing state in the nation. We are also a leading flower producing state and 

 apples are another important crop for both the fresh and processed market. Dairy- 

 ing remains the single largest agricultural enterprise in the state. 



The statistical report in this publication was compiled under the direction 

 of Charles Hammond and Rowland Scranton of the New England Crop and Livestock 

 Reporting Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many thanks are in or- 

 der for the fine assistance and cooperation of their office. Also our own Depart- 

 mental staff must be highly commended, especially Janet Christensen, for making 

 this publication possible. 



AlassQchusetts / / 

 grown ...and fresher! 



Frederic Winthrop, Jr. 



Commissioner of Food and Agriculture 



Publication of this Document approved by John manton. State purchasing Agent 



Est Cost per Copy $2.21 



