Advancing Farmland Protection, Succession, and Land Access Efforts in Berkshire County

American Farmland Trust works with land trusts, local organizations, state agencies, and communities to further farmland protection and enhance farmland and housing access efforts across Berkshire County. This includes technical assistance to land trusts and towns, coordinating funding proposals with local partners, organizing educational workshops, and providing direct financial support to farmers.   

Why Berkshire County?

Berkshire County has a robust farmland base, a diverse range of farms and farmers, and highly dedicated non-profit organizations working to create and sustain a more secure and viable agricultural economy. However, the county faces an aging farmer population and a lack of succession, business, and transition planning, along with consistently high and rising land values, land insecurity, and ever-present and increasing development pressures.  

According to our research, over 80% of the agricultural land in Berkshire County is not permanently protected. Young, next-generation, and aspiring farmers are being priced out of homes and farmland, while many long-established farms–especially dairy farms, which make up nearly a quarter of the state’s dairy economy and utilize almost a quarter of Berkshire County’s agricultural land, including rented land–face uncertainty. These compounding challenges threaten the region’s rich agricultural resources and local food security. 

Working closely with local partners, American Farmland Trust is working to identify gaps in service to farmers and barriers to farmland conservation, farm viability, and equity in land access and housing in this critical agricultural region. Together, we are expanding and improving support to Berkshire farmers and working to ensure that Berkshire farms stay healthy, strong, and in the hands of working farmers.