Tuesday, January 27th from 12–2 PM at the Ag Hall

Learn about how farmers, land trusts, and landowners can work together to strengthen farm viability on Martha’s Vineyard.

Access to farmland is commonly cited as the main barrier for entering farmers, with land ownership remaining out of sight even for next generation producers. Meanwhile, retiring farmers have difficulty in finding successors who can take on their farms and businesses, partially due to the real estate values and cost of entry.

As farmland loss continues at astronomical rates due to increasing pressure from development, these challenges intensify. Keeping land under active agriculture is a crucial component of a strategy to protect farmland.   Strong lease agreements are one part of this picture that can support active agriculture and real growth of farm businesses while enhancing long term farm viability.

In this session, we will discuss specifics of the lease document and engage in discussion about what an effective lease looks like. We’ll also discuss the relationships that foster strong agreements as well as discuss the question of farmer equity and leasing.

We hope you join us as we dive into the specifics about how leases can take us from simple land access to long-term, secure tenure.

COST: FREE, lunch provided. Registration appreciated. Sign up below!