State-Owned Farmland 



The Bureau has completed an inventory of agricultural lands which are part 

 of Massachusetts' large Human Service institutions. Bureau staff are working 

 closely with other state agencies to map these lands and protect them from non- 

 agricultural uses. 



Plans are nearing completion for development of a major farmers' market and 

 extensive community gardens on farmlands once part of Worcester State Hospital. 

 The New England Small Farm Institute is entering its third year of work on the 

 farmland and woodlots of the Belchertown State School. The Institute is seeking 

 funding sources to begin construction of White Oak Farm which will offer a two- 

 year training program in commercial agriculture for new-entry farmers. The 

 Department of Correction's Food and Farm Services continue to expand farming and 

 food processing operations at Massachusetts correctional institutions. This will 

 soon have a major impact on the Department's food budget. In addition, state- 

 owned agricultural lands are being revitalized by private farmers, agricultural 

 schools, and over twenty community gardening groups. 



MEPA Review 



The Land Use staff also participates in the Massachusetts Environmental 

 Policy Act review process. The staff reviews the Environmental Notification 

 Forms of development projects which will impact farmland and makes recommen- 

 dations accordingly. 



Community Gardens 



In both rural and urban areas, the Bureau of Land Use continues to assist 

 gardening groups whose main purpose is to develop and cultivate land to produce 

 food. 



The Community Gardening Program continues to further this objective and 

 will always welcome new ideas to become more effective. 



The Bureau has been developing positive interagency cooperation with other 

 agencies in the city and state departments. The results of this group effort 

 have developed into "Earth Moving Day" where 25,000 cubic yards of topsoil will 

 be distributed to many disadvantaged neighborhood gardening groups. The Bureau 

 recognizes the following Departments for their support and assistance in making 

 "Earth Day" a reality: 



1. U. Mass. Medical Center of Worcester made available the 25,000 cubic yards of 

 topsoil . 



2. Division of Capital Planning and Operations supported the concept of "Earth 

 Moving Day." 



3. Suffolk County Extension Service provided technical assistance for soil 

 testing. 



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