Spearheaded by the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts, the campaign to permanently protect the farm began in 2004. In 2005, the O'Neil dairy farm was permanently protected with funding from Duxbury's Community Preservation Act fund, the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, and many generous private donors. The new name then became officially the "Historic O'Neil Farm, Inc."; a non-profit corporation governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. Historic O'Neil Farm, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a Section 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible as permitted by law.
Two restrictions protect the Historic O'Neil Farm, Inc. in perpetuity:
At Historic O'Neil Farm, Carl O'Neil continues as the farmer in charge of day-to-day operations, directing the milking of 40 cows, caring for the land, and selling milk to Agri-Mark co-op. The nine-member Board of Directors is dedicated to preserving the farm. As Directors of the Corporation they are involved with policy issues, working with dairy consultants on long-range business plans, developing public access trails, applying for grants, and holding community Farm Days and informing and educating the public about dairy farming in New England.
Two restrictions protect the Historic O'Neil Farm, Inc. in perpetuity:
- an Agricultural Preservation Restriction ensures the farmland will always remain in agriculture
- a Conservation Restriction ensures the farmhouse, barn and outbuildings will remain a barnyard. The 145-acre farm can never be developed as house lots.
At Historic O'Neil Farm, Carl O'Neil continues as the farmer in charge of day-to-day operations, directing the milking of 40 cows, caring for the land, and selling milk to Agri-Mark co-op. The nine-member Board of Directors is dedicated to preserving the farm. As Directors of the Corporation they are involved with policy issues, working with dairy consultants on long-range business plans, developing public access trails, applying for grants, and holding community Farm Days and informing and educating the public about dairy farming in New England.
