MDAR FY26- State Owned Farmland Licensing Program, Templeton

Background
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), in collaboration with the Division of Capital Asset Maintenance and Management (DCAMM), is seeking proposals for the agricultural use of approximately 26.575 acres across five parcels at the Templeton Developmental Center (TDC) in Templeton, Massachusetts. The goal is to license these parcels for agricultural operations that are commercially viable and compliant with state regulations.

Work Details
Proposals are sought for the agricultural use of five parcels totaling approximately 26.575 acres. The eligible applicants must be engaged in production agriculture or farming for commercial purposes as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, Sec. 1A. Specific land descriptions include:

- SP5: 8.6 acres previously a dairy complex site, restored with prime farmland soils.
- BB1: 2.7 acres with Brooks Barn, previously used for hay production.
- BB2: 8.8 acres also used for hay production with prime farmland soils.
- BB3: 2.3 acres previously used for hay production.
- BB4: 3.5 acres also previously used for hay production.

Period of Performance
The contract duration is anticipated to be up to five years, with an option to renew for an additional five years.

Place of Performance
Templeton Developmental Center, Templeton, Massachusetts.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be legally recognized entities within Massachusetts capable of entering a binding agreement with the Commonwealth and must demonstrate capacity to manage agricultural projects. Applicants must comply with federal, state, and local regulations and should ideally be residents of Massachusetts. Ineligible proposals include those from applicants out of compliance with MDAR programs or those proposing non-agricultural uses.