THE AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION RESTRICTION:
Protect Your Farmland Forever

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a special conservation program just for active farmland: the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program.

The APR program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the “fair market value” and the “agricultural value” of their farmland in exchange for a permanent deed restriction ensuring the land is only used for agricultural purposes.

Protecting farmland with an APR compensates farmers for the development value of their land in cash, so they can invest in their farm or divide assets during generational transitions, rather than sell their land for house lots. And, because land that has been granted an APR is reduced in value, it’s more affordable for new farmers who want to buy their own land.

Kestrel’s staff works with farmland owners to help them navigate the APR process  and meet their long term goals for their business.