Agricultural Business

Farm Stands across the state are one of the most common ways for consumers to find locally grown foods. Get Point of Purchase materials, important information, and more.

Wholesale marketing programs help connect growers and buyers by maintaining a database of wholesale growers by crop. Additional resources are also available.

The Commonwealth's aquaculture industry produces aquatic species for food, education, ornamental, bait and sport fishing activities, including 6 species of shellfish and 10 species of finfish that are cultured experimentally and commercially.

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 300 farms have completed an MDAR sponsored business planning program tailored to their own particular versions of Massachusetts agriculture.

The MDAR Energy Program's primary function is to promote energy knowledge and awareness and to facilitate the implementation of energy related projects for our agri-businesses through energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy applications, as a means to reduce both energy costs and environmental pollution. A number of data bases of relevant resources are being developed and informative web-links are being identified to assist in your ability to obtain technical and financial assistance toward energy related matters for your agricultural business.

Many farmers are becoming increasingly creative about making their farms attractive to tourists. Check out some new ideas, learn about our programs and get listed in the Ag Tourism Map and Website.

Attract the epicurious by becoming a culinary destination, connect with top chefs, plug into "buy-local" and industry associations, and add your farm festivals and culinary events to our calendar.

The Commonwealth Quality Program will establish a registered seal of quality that will identify the organizations and products are grown, processed or produced in Massachusetts and maintain the highest quality, environmental and safety standards.

MDAR, through its support of the Massachusetts Farm to School Project, provides technical assistance to Massachusetts farmers and schools as they attempt to find a good match between them as local grower and institutional customer.

Identify resources for starting and growing your food business including regulations, production and marketing assistance, co-packers, and association contacts.

Find resources to develop and expand your food and agricultural business into international markets.

FVEP offers farmers environmental, technical, and business planning assistance to upgrade and modernize their existing business operations.

This voluntary program is intended to offer a non-development alternative to farmers and other owners of "prime" and "state important" agricultural land faced with a decision regarding future use and disposition of their farms. The program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farmland in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which precludes any use of the property that will have a negative impact on its agricultural viability.