Programs

Stewardship

Agriculture

Martha’s Vineyard derives its rural character from agriculture. While Martha’s Vineyard has a rich farming heritage, it also has an impressive farming present. As the island’s land trust, part of whose mission is to conserve rural character, and as the island’s largest private landowner, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation happily supports island agriculture. We support agriculture in two primary ways. First, we conserve agricultural land, and second, we allow and encourage agricultural uses on a number of our properties.

Sheriff’s Meadow has conserved many acres of farmland already and we will continue to do so.  In some cases, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has been given land that has been farmed for years, or land that has potential for farming.  In other cases, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has been given or has purchased conservation restrictions over agricultural land.

Where possible, Sheriff’s Meadow also makes available land for use by island farmers. In some cases, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation leases portions of its properties to farmers. In other cases, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation works with local farmers to manage natural, open areas by allowing livestock to graze these areas.