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Background |
Agro-Environmental Technology ProgramFrequently Asked QuestionsWho is eligible to participate? Proposals will be accepted from public and private agencies and organizations, business and industry, educational institutions and local governments in Massachusetts. Individuals may apply if a specific commodity group, growers' association or industry endorses the project. What kind of projects will be considered? Demonstration projects, feasibility analyses and applied research that involve new or alternative production practices, processing, distribution or market access technologies, or organizational arrangements. How much funding can one request? Up to $50,000 per project is available. Awards are allotted on a matching basis. Can I receive a grant to help buy a farm or new equipment? No. It is not the purpose of the program to substitute for business start up, expansion or other types of loans or capital. It is the purpose of the program to prove or demonstrate a new activity which will benefit the food and agriculture industry. The Department will release a request for responses (RFR) in the late fall or winter each year. The RFR is open for approximately five weeks when proposals will be accepted. The closing date will be clearly marked on the RFR. Applicants can check the Department’s web page or the Program Coordinator for a copy of the RFR once it becomes available. Who determines what projects are to be funded? The Board of Food and Agriculture must approve the proposals. Proposals are evaluated on a competitive basis and judged against the criteria and objectives of the program outlined in the RFR. What are eligible expenses utilizing grant funds? Grant funds may be used for salaries and wages (personnel costs are limited to 50% of grant amount), consultant services, supplies and materials, travel, advertising and promotion, communications and data processing. When are funds released to successful proposers? Grant funds will not be awarded as lump sums at the initiation of the project. Payments are made for services received during or at the end of a contract period for the project. Most projects should have a duration of 15 to 18 months or less. |
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