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Agricultural Business Training Program (ABTP)

The nature of agriculture in Massachusetts is changing rapidly from larger farms raising one crop that they sold wholesal to smaller farms raising multiple crops that they often sell retail. Many other new agricultural enterprises have incorporated processing and advanced packaging into their marketing approach.

Today's agricultural climate favors farm owners and managers who develop and can effectively communicate sustainable business plans that address:

1. reaching/keeping markets in innovative ways that net them better returns
2. supporting loans and/or personal investment over time through careful financial planning and monitoring
3. providing a living wage and rewarding work for family members and key employees that keeps them on the land
4. working effectively as partners with the towns in which they are located

MDAR's Agricultural Business Training Program (ABTP) responds to these and other planning needs of farmers, through training and technical assistance . So far more than 250 farms have completed an MDAR sponsored business planning program tailored to their own particular version of Massachusetts agriculture.

Related links

Bureau of Markets

Farm Viability Enhancement Program