FOREWORD 



This annual report summarizes the major activities of 

 the Department of Food and Agriculture during the past fiscal 

 yearc 



The highlight of the last twelve months, and perhaps 

 the last century, has been the passage of the Agricultural 

 Preservation Restriction Act by the Great and General Court. 

 This landmark legislation which provides for the public 

 purchase of "development rights" is a program that demon- 

 strates a new commitment to preserve essential farmland in 

 our state. 



Urban and rural citizens are increasingly aware of 

 the contributions of local agriculture to our food supplv 

 and our economy, and many are demonstrating their support 

 by purchasing Massachusetts grown products at farmers markets , 

 roadside farm stands and retail food stores across the state. 



Agriculture is looking up in Massachusetts, and each 

 of us at the Department o Food and Agriculture is proud to 

 be contributing toward the future of the food and farming 

 industry in our state. 



<i-_y. 



Atossochusetts * ' 

 grown... ond fresher! 



Frederic Winthrop, Jr. 

 Commissioner of Food 

 and Agriculture 



