Like the Valley itself, the Town of South Hadley has a long history of agriculture. But our farms are increasingly under threat from development. In 1950, there were nearly 5,000 dairy farms across the Commonwealth, including in South Hadley. Now, less than 120 dairy farms are left state-wide. Today, the 210-acre Lauzier Farm on Alvord Street is the last of its size in South Hadley. The Kestrel Land Trust is working with the Town, the Commonwealth, and the landowners to save this remaining piece of agricultural land with the sale of an Agricultural Preservation Restriction to prohibit development and ensure the land is “Forever Farmland.” Details about this important local project are available at: https://www.southhadley.org/1100/Protect-Lauzier-Farm
Help is needed to raise $150,000 in local matching funds to secure the remaining public funding, and many local residents have already donated to this effort, which was recently approved by Town Meeting. The Town of South Hadley has partnered with Kestral Land Trust to raise the needed match. To donate to the fund online or to download a donation form and send a check, visit: www.kestreltrust.org/lauzierfarm
For more information about agricultural preservation in Massachusetts, see: www.mass.gov/service-details/smart-growth-smart-energy-toolkit-modules-agricultural-preservation