APR Program Objectives & Benefits
The APR Program preserves Massachusetts farmland for agriculture by purchasing development rights, ensuring land remains in farming use and supporting long-term food security and environmental benefits.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Payments typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, based on the difference between fair market and agricultural value; additional tax credits up to $75,000 may apply.
Summary: Protects Massachusetts farmland by purchasing development rights, keeping land affordable for farmers and ensuring long-term agricultural use.
Key Information: Participation results in a permanent deed restriction; land remains in private ownership but must stay in agricultural use.
Description
The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is a voluntary initiative designed to preserve productive farmland across Massachusetts. By purchasing the development rights from farmland owners, the program places a permanent deed restriction on the property, ensuring the land remains available for agriculture in perpetuity. This approach helps keep farmland affordable for current and future farmers, supports local food security, and delivers broad economic, environmental, and community benefits. Landowners retain ownership and can continue to farm, lease, or sell the land (with restrictions), and benefit from access to additional funding, technical assistance, and potential tax advantages.
