Agriculture
Friends of Holly Hill Farm Secures 5.23‑acre Massachusetts Farm with $4.9 Million Donation
Friends of Holly Hill Farm (FHHF) has raised more than $4.9 million to purchase the 5.23‑acre Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset, Massachusetts, after the property had been owned by the White family for more than six generations. The nonprofit will own and operate the farm, which will remain a working farm and community resource permanently. A Conservation Restriction, jointly held by Wildlands Trust and the Town of Cohasset, has been placed on the portion of the land that was not previously protected, preventing future development. The purchase was completed in September 2026. FHHF also received $1 million in community preservation funds from the Town of Cohasset. Meredith Laban, executive director of FHHF, said the acquisition is a “once‑in‑a‑generation accomplishment” and thanked the White family and supporters of the Keep Our Farm a Farm campaign. Jean White, co‑founder of the farm, noted the project fulfills her husband Frank’s wishes and will preserve the teaching farm for future generations. The nonprofit plans to raise additional funds for the next phase, which will include improvements to the historic 1785 barn that houses the year‑round farm stand, better traffic flow and parking, a heated indoor classroom with a working kitchen for teaching and pantry preparation, and restrooms. Mark DeGiacomo, board chairperson of FHHM, praised the founders’ commitment to sustainable farming, education, and community. Holly Hill Farm is a certified organic farm that grows vegetables, herbs, seedlings, and flowers. Its harvest is distributed through a Farm to Food Pantry program to nine local food pantries, and the farm stand supplies families through the Holly Hill Farm SHARES program and accepts SNAP. The farm offers educational programs, with more than 20,000 students from over 14 communities participating each year in farm, classroom, and school garden activities, and partnerships with more than 40 schools between the South Shore and Boston. Summer programs have earned the Best of the South Shore award for four consecutive years. Adults can attend workshops and guided walks led by farm educators and outside experts, with tiered pricing and scholarships to keep costs accessible.