Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA)
Forecasted
Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) helps farmers and landowners restore inactive, protected farmland to productive commercial agriculture while maintaining its preservation values.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 and 85% of project costs; minimum 15% cash match
Summary: SARA funds restoration of inactive APR-protected farmland to return it to active commercial agriculture.
Key Information: Restoration needs must not result from the current owner’s inaction or lack of stewardship.
Description
The Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). It helps farmers and landowners restore land protected through MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, principally addressing stewardship problems inherited from a prior owner. The goal is to return inactive agricultural resources to productive commercial use while maintaining their preservation values.
Supported work includes reclaiming overgrown fields, restoring pasture and cropland, stabilizing erosion, correcting drainage, and remediating storm damage. Projects can also address abandoned structures, deteriorated fencing, farm access roads, trash, and security concerns that affect agricultural use. Funding reimburses approved materials, contracted labor, and equipment rentals needed to restore the protected land.
