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MA Farmland Action Plan Listening Sessions
February 15, 2022 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has begun the process of developing a Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan to address the farmland needs and goals of the Commonwealth.
To preserve the resilience of our agricultural economy and food system in a changing climate, there is a pressing need to expand the number of farms and farmland acres that are protected throughout the Commonwealth, not only through the state programs but also by municipalities, non-profits, and federal agencies. It is also critically important to ensure that farm businesses operating on protected farmland are viable and are provided with the greatest chance of success at producing food both in difficult economic times and in the face of a changing climate.
The purpose of the MA Farmland Action plan is to develop state level goals and recommendations for increasing farmland protection, farmland access, food security, and the long-term economic and environmental viability of farms across all regions of the state. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is supporting the development of the plan, and has engaged the UMass Donahue Institute to gather the input and recommendations from farmers, advocates, investors, landowners, land trusts, agricultural technical assistance providers, scientists, public officials, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Toward that end, we hope you will attend one of two Listening Sessions to share your ideas and suggestions for strategies to be included in the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan. Input from stakeholders like you are key to the successful development of a plan.
The Listening Sessions will be held via Zoom on:
- Tuesday, February 15 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
- Wednesday, February 16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Click HERE to register for the Listening Sessions by February 14. The expanded link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXZdpPS0TU2Mxv68t5TLlLNcyWU_DwSLdywklubEv-soIIyw/viewform?usp=sf_link.
After you register, you will receive information to join a Zoom meeting with a unique link and enhanced security settings. Please do not share this link with others.
We hope you can join. If you have questions please contact Sonia Bouvier, Project Manager with UMass Donahue Institute. If you are unable to attend the session, you may also submit written suggestions to: sbouvier@donahue.umass.edu.