Criteria Applicable in Evaluation of Projects

(1) In evaluating a Project, the ALPC shall consider the following as priority criteria to best fulfill the purposes of the APR Program, as established by St. 1977, c. 780: (a) The degree to which the Project would serve to preserve and enhance the agricultural resource base of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (b) The suitability of land as to soil classification and other criteria for agricultural use; and (c) The Fair Market Value of such land and the Fair Market Value of such land when used for agricultural purposes as determined by the independent appraisal obtained by the Department pursuant to 330 CMR 22.06(2)(e). (2) In addition, the ALPC may consider additional criteria including, but not limited to, the following: (a) Contribution of the Project in the development of a continuing program of acquiring multiple APRs within a defined geographical area or areas; (b) Degree to which a Municipality where a Project is located is prepared to provide assistance to the Commonwealth for purchase of an APR by providing funds, legal, and enforcement services or other assistance satisfactory to the ALPC, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 20, § 23; (c) Opportunities for individual and family farm ownership and for employment through farm related processing, storage, transportation, and marketing of farm products; and (d) Degree of threat from any cause to the continuation of Agriculture on the Project.