Raynham - The town won’ t have a corn maze this year.
But the recreational use of protected farmland is in big demand, a state agricultural official said Friday.
“We see agri-tourism as a growing opportunity – no pun intended,” Scott Soares, assistant commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, said. “Our primary concern is to make sure we preserve the resources for the future.”
The department oversees the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program, which includes monitoring the 179 acres of protected farmland in Borden Colony.
The land was turned over to the town by the state in the early 1980s.
The APR designation ensures it will be used for farming and not developed.
Until they cut back on their business in 2005, the Reed Brothers of North Dighton leased the land for its crops and ran a small roadside farm stand.
A Northboro company last year only used the property to dump piles of compost.
Selectmen had pinned their hopes this year on a local company but ran into problems when Olson’s Greenhouses wanted to use Borden Colony, not only to plant perennials, but also to run a corn maze and hayrides.
The uses failed to meet the bid conditions.
If the company can work out its legal and safety issues with the town next year, the state would likely support the proposal.
“The APR program has evolved into more of a stewardship role,” Soares said.
And horticulture is not only an appropriate use of the land, it is also the most profitable, he added.
Department representatives visited the area recently, prompted by pending legislation to release a small portion of the restricted farmland off Thrasher Street for road improvements.
Soares said his staff met with the Borden Colony Advisory Committee and agreed they should develop a master plan for the entire site.
There is an increasing demand for the 60,000 acres of farmland currently under the restricted deed, he said.