Essex County is home to a vibrant farming community with deep historical roots, ranging from centuries-old family farms to next-generation start-ups. In addition to providing access to fresh, locally grown food, these farms also support the regional economy, protect natural resources, and play an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In the coming year, Greenbelt will embark on several new farmland conservation projects across Essex County — from Haverhill, Merrimac, and Salisbury in the Merrimack Valley to Rowley on the North Shore. These efforts are part of Greenbelt’s ongoing commitment to supporting the long-term success of the region’s agricultural community. To date, Greenbelt has partnered with more than 80 farm families, conserving over 1,500 acres of agricultural land and providing affordable land access to young farmers.
In this article, we will address some common questions about farmland conservation, explain why it’s important, and provide ways for you to get involved.
What is the state of farming in Essex County today?
Farmland in Essex County — and across the entire state — is disappearing at a rapid pace. Data from the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst shows that between 2012 and 2017, Essex County experienced the largest loss of farmland in Massachusetts, with more than 5,000 acres — or 39.3 percent — of agricultural land vanishing during this period.
“Unprotected farms represent some of the region’s largest and most vulnerable open spaces,” says Vanessa Johnson-Hall, Director of Land Conservation. “They’re flat, dry, cleared of trees, and often have prime road frontage, which makes them highly attractive to developers.”
Vanessa also cites the aging demographics of current farmers as being a significant concern, as many are in their 60s and 70s with no identified successor. “Once these farmers are gone, the land becomes vulnerable to being sold for development by heirs who don’t farm and may no longer live locally,” she explains.
Together, these factors make the future of farmland increasingly uncertain, as the land becomes more valuable and more vulnerable, often pricing out aspiring young farmers.
What are the greatest challenges faced by new farmers?
One of the most significant obstacles is financial constraints. Many new farmers struggle to afford the high cost of land and housing in this region, which makes it difficult to get started or expand their operations. Without secure, long-term access to land and housing, investing in their business, soil health, and infrastructure becomes a considerable risk.
What are the environmental benefits of conserving farmland?
In addition to preserving local agriculture, protecting farmland also provides a range of environmental benefits. By maintaining these vital ecosystems, which often include wetlands, forests, streams, and ponds, farmland supports climate resilience and helps maintain important wildlife habitat. “These lands also represent large amounts of green space rather than asphalt,” emphasizes Vanessa. “If they’re near a city, that means they cool the air and reduce urban heat islands. Wetlands on farms can also reduce downstream flooding during heavy storms.”
Sustainable farming practices, such as healthy soil management, also contribute to reducing carbon and combating climate change. Buying locally grown food also has a much smaller carbon footprint than food that’s been trucked across the country or imported from other countries.
How does Greenbelt protect farmland and support new farmers in Essex County?
The conservation team uses a variety of innovative tools and funding strategies to protect existing farms and make land more affordable for the next generation of farmers. “We actively reach out to farmers, build strong relationships, and offer educational opportunities through organizations like Land for Good, The Carrot Project, and the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, focusing on topics such as succession planning,” says Vanessa. “We also collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to secure funding for purchasing development rights or farmland. These efforts help farmers meet their financial needs while ensuring that land remains accessible to new farmers.”
Farmland conservation options include:
- Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) – Restricts non-agricultural development, ensuring the land remains available for agriculture forever.
- Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value – Ensures affordable, farmer-to-farmer land transfers, keeping land accessible for future generations of farmers.
- Ground Lease – Greenbelt owns the farmland and leases it to a farmer for 99 years. The farmer retains ownership of all infrastructure on the land, including their home. The ground lease ensures the land is used exclusively for agriculture, is protected from non-agricultural development, and allows the buildings to be passed on affordably to future farmers. Ground leases are valuable for providing farmers with affordable, long-term access to land while also offering them equity to grow and sustain their farming operations.
Why is public support important for maintaining farms?
An informed and engaged community is essential for sustaining a thriving agricultural economy. “The public can support local farms by shopping at farm stands and farmers’ markets, advocating for policies that prioritize conservation and non-industrial farming, encouraging their town to adopt right-to-farm bylaws, and contributing to land conservation campaigns that help acquire farmland and make it accessible to the next generation of farmers,” says Vanessa.