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While the market for local food is increasing, many agricultural operations may find it difficult to expand their operations due to regulatory restrictions, opposition from residential abutters, or lack of labor.  MetroFuture recommends a variety of policies or initiatives to overcome these challenges.  Land use controls must be supportive of diversified agricultural operations and should help to prevent conflicts between residents and farmers.  Farmers can also be protected from nuisance claims through “right to farm” bylaws that reaffirm the preservation of agriculture as a community priority.  Agricultural commissions should be supported as important local advocates for farm operations in their community.  Transportation services and coordination with social service/employment organizations will help ensure that farmers can find the labor critical to their operations.

21)    Revise local zoning to support diversified agricultural operations  
In order to remain economically viable, many farms have expanded beyond basic agricultural production to include agro-tourism, expanded retail (groceries, garden supplies), and value-added processing.  

Such uses should be facilitated by local zoning (they are often restricted or conditional).  Chapter 40A and local regulation should consider the following as “agricultural uses” when they occur on a working farm and support the viability of that farm:  roadside stands, garden centers, hospitality services (inn/restaurant), or value added operations.  Larger farm stands might be permitted with the provision that a certain percentage of items sold must come from the region or state.  Zoning should also specifically allow for agricultural support businesses, such as implement repair, and for activities, such as pumpkin festivals and company picnics.  In appropriate locations, municipalities should also permit processing and distribution/product consolidation on parcels in agricultural use, contingent on a certain amount of the inputs being sourced locally (e.g., 50% from within MA and 75% from within New England).  

Municipalities may also want to consider requiring increased setbacks for residential uses adjacent to designated agricultural areas, in order to reduce conflicts over noise, odor, dust, and aesthetics.

21.a    MAPC and stakeholders should research and disseminate zoning strategies to support agriculture

22)    Increase the role of agricultural commissions in protecting and promoting agricultural activity
Agricultural Commissions serve as advocates for local farms.  Formed through adoption of a local bylaw or ordinance, their responsibilities can include providing assistance for natural resource management, affording visibility to local farmers, and assisting local boards with community development decisions.  They can also help to mediate disputes between neighbors and agricultural enterprises.   Only 14 MAPC municipalities have established Agricultural Commissions.  

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources recently released a Handbook for Agricultural Commissions, a step-by-step reference guide for newly organized agricultural commissions.

22.a    MAPC should work with the Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution to provide conflict resolution training for Agricultural Commissions

23)    Increase the use and effectiveness of “Right to Farm” bylaws that protect farmers  
The Right to Farm is vested in all residents of the Commonwealth under Article 97 of the state Constitution. Communities interested in formally re-asserting that right within the community may pass a Right to Farm Bylaw that clearly states the priorities of the community relative to fostering agricultural activities and allowing farms to operate "with minimal conflict with abutters and Town agencies" The Massachusetts Attorney General has developed a model Right to Farm Bylaw, which also establishes the notification procedure for informing all residents of the Town of the community's status as a Right to Farm entity.

Only five MAPC municipalities have adopted Right to Farm bylaws. 

24)    Coordinate social and transportation services to link workers with farm employment
The challenges of finding affordable and qualified labor are squeezing the region’s farmers.  Availability of low-cost labor is a major challenge for many farmers; survey results from Essex County more than a third of farmers cut back on operations due to lack of labor.  Youth-based agricultural training programs may be one source of labor with corollary social benefits. 

24.a    The Boston MPO should conduct a study on transportation services for farm laborers through the Unified Planning Work Program