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Massachusetts Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP)Contact: Gerard Kennedy, Director - Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us – 617.626.1773
The Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) provides funding to agricultural operations in Massachusetts for the mitigation and/or prevention of impacts on natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. While primarily a water quality program, AEEP will also fund practices that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved costs of materials up to $30,000. A minimum of a 5% match is required of Most awards are in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Background: Since 1999, DAR has funded 288 projects statewide. Growers and producers have received over $3 million to help them address environmental concerns on their farms. Examples of conservation practices funded in previous rounds include the installation of animal manure waste systems, pesticide storage facilities, fencing to keep livestock out of wetlands, trickle irrigation systems, flumes, and photovoltaic systems. Eligibility: Property must consist of at least 5 contiguous acres of land under the same ownership and be actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use; have at least three acres in bog production, or have at least 5,000 square feet under greenhouse production. Aquaculture operations must possess a current valid shellfish aquaculture license. Responses must have proof of a written and updated NRCS Conservation Plan. Flower growers and aquaculture operations are excluded from this requirement. Farmers interested in discussing a potential response should contact Gerard
Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us
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