Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution ensures "the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural... and other natural resources." Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 3, Paragraph 1 furthers this goal by stating that no local zoning bylaw may prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for the use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture. Other state laws such as Chapter 111, Section 125A provide additional protection and incentives for agriculture.

In Templeton, MA, most of the Templeton selectmen want signs on the Historic Town Common, but they do not want you to sit on the grass under a shade tree at town hall and now there is mention of telling people where they can have roosters and how much land people must have to keep said roosters.