Who We Are

 

Massachusetts is Local Grown.
Massachusetts is home to a great many farms, fisheries, hatcheries and forests – most of which are small, family owned operations. The passion, dedication and ingenuity of the local farming community, in addition to a rising consumer commitment to buying locally grown and harvested products, continues to strengthen our agricultural sector. 

Commonwealth Quality, a brand designed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, serves to identify locally sourced products that are grown, harvested and processed right here in Massachusetts using practices that are safe, sustainable and don’t harm the environment.  To ensure high quality and safety you must have high standards. That’s why Commonwealth Quality-certified growers, producers, harvesters and processors not only meet stringent federal, state and local regulatory requirements, but also employ best management practices and production standards that ensure consumers receive the safest, most wholesome products available, with minimal impact on the environment.

The Number of Farms is Rising!
Farms grew nationally between 2002-2007 by 4%; across the northeast by 16%; and in Massachusetts alone the increase was an astounding 27%, bringing the total number of state farms to 7,691.
Our Farms Directly Support Local Communities!
Massachusetts farms paid $32.5M in property taxes in 2007.
We Are Leading the Way in Direct Sales!
 Six Massachusetts counties are in the top 1.5% for total sales direct to the consumer.