Massachusetts family farm protected after $4.9 million rescue

For over six generations, Holly Hill Farm has been owned by the White family in Massachusetts. The 5.23-acre property, a cherished community resource, has now been secured for future generations through a $4.9 million fundraising effort by Friends of Holly Hill Farm (FHHF), according to the Cohasset Anchor. The nonprofit raised more than $4.9 million to purchase the land and improve its buildings and infrastructure, including a $1 million contribution from the Town of Cohasset.

This September 2026 acquisition ensures the farm remains a working farm and community resource permanently. FHHF will own and operate the farm, and a Conservation Restriction (CR) has been placed on the unprotected portion of the land by Wildlands Trust and the Town of Cohasset, permanently preventing future development.

Meredith Laban, Executive Director of FHHF, expressed gratitude to the White family and the community for their support, emphasizing that the farm is more than just the land. Jean White, co-founder of the farm, confirmed that this achievement fulfills her husband Frank's wishes. The nonprofit will continue raising funds for future improvements, such as enhancing the historic 1785 barn, adding better traffic flow and parking, and creating a heated indoor classroom with a kitchen for teaching and preparing food for pantries, restrooms, and serving as a hub for community engagement.

Holly Hill Farm is a certified organic farm that grows vegetables, herbs, seedlings, and flowers, with produce reaching beyond the farm stand through its Farm to Food Pantry program, which donates food and flowers to nine local food pantries. The farm also offers educational programs to over 20,000 students from more than 14 communities annually, making it a vital community resource.

Adult workshops and guided walks led by educators and outside experts are available, with tiered pricing and scholarships to ensure accessibility for all.