The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking proposals for the Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs Program (SARA). The program aims to restore inactive or underutilized Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) land resources through eligible restoration activities. Eligible projects include land restoration, soil and water management, agricultural access, site remediation, and pasture and cropland rehabilitation. Applicants must be located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and own or operate a commercial agricultural business on land protected through an APR held by MDAR. Key aspects of the program include: • Eligible applicants: APR landowners and those engaged in farming activities on APRs • Eligible projects: Restoration of inactive or impaired APR land, including land restoration, soil and water management, and agricultural access • Funding: Reimbursement grants up to $50,000, with a required cash match of at least 15% of the total project costs • Application deadline: April 14, 2026, 4:00 PM • Contract duration: Anticipated to start in Fall 2026, with a contract end date of June 30, 2027 Some of the key benefits of this program include: • Restoration of inactive or underutilized APR land • Improvement of soil and water quality • Increased agricultural productivity • Support for commercial agriculture on protected farmland • Opportunities for farmers and APR landowners to improve their operations and increase their revenue.