Massachusetts Agricultural Highlights, 1 988 



MASSACHUSETTS STATE-OWNED FARMLAND LEASING 



In Massachusetts 84 farmers or agricultural educational institutions are leasing 4,480 acres ofstate-owned 

 farmland in 63 locations across the state. Seven agencies issue these leases or use permits. The Department of 

 Food and Agriculture leases land under its care and control and alsoleases land for other agencies under 

 Chapter 20 of the Massachusetts General Laws. 



The Massachusetts Farmlands Stewardship Committee, formed by the Department of Food and 

 Agriculturein September of 1987, is looking at additional ways to protect and improve the management of 

 state-owned farmland. One technique under consideration is the long-term (30 year) leasing of state-owned 

 land to farmers. This is now being done under the Department of Mental Retardation's lease of the 

 Belchertown State School farmstead to the New England Small Farm Institute. 



Farmers/ 

 Institutions 

 Leasing Agency Acres leased renting Locations 



TOTAL 4,480 84 63 



66 



