Agricultural Cranberry Enhancement Program (ACEP)

Next steps   for Agricultural Cranberry Enhancement Program (ACEP)

1. Determine Your Eligibility

   To be eligible for consideration under the Agricultural Cranberry Enhancement Program applicants must meet the following requirements:

   • Applicant must be a cranberry operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A that is engaged in the business of production agriculture.
   • Property must be in active agricultural use and managed and managed by the applicant for at least the three (3) previous years to the date of the application
   • Bog acreage must be greater than one acres in size. 

2. Review the Request for Response (RFR)

   Before applying, please read the Request for Response (RFR). It provides a comprehensive summary of grant evaluation criteria, review timelines, award recipient expectations, eligible uses of grant funds. 

   Example projects include: 

   • Harvest Equipment
   • Irrigation Upgrades
   • Fertilizer Equipment
   • Fruit Handling & Screening Technology
   • Bog Efficiency Upgrades (ramps, ditch alterations, routing pipes)
   • Pruning Equipment
   • Sanding Equipment 
      

   Open PDF file, 1.54 MB,  FY25 Agricultural Cranberry Enhancement Program (ACEP) - Request for Response (English, PDF 1.54 MB)

3. Prepare the information you need to submit an application.

   You will need to provide the following as part of your application:

   • A summary of your cranberry operation, details of the project you are proposing and the benefits associated with the proposed project.
   • A description of the proposed project outcomes.
   • Your work plan and timeline for the project.
   • An itemized project budget, including any matching funds.
   • Additional documentation in the form of quotes, maps, and balance of funding. 

4. Submit your application.

   During an open application period submit your application by one of methods listed by the posted deadline. Applications can be submitted by e-mail, in-person, or by mailing.

5. MDAR reviews your application.

   MDAR will evaluate all applications submitted by the deadline and will make award decisions based on the eligibility and evaluation criteria specified in the Request for Response (RFR). 

6. Sign a grant agreement with MDAR.

   If your operation is selected to receive a grant MDAR will issue you an award letter and contract documents that specify the terms and conditions of your award. You will need to sign a Standard Contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a Grant Agreement with MDAR before making any purchases related to the project. Purchases made outside of a signed contract with MDAR are not eligible for reimbursement. 

7. Project reimbursement.

   At the conclusion of your awarded project submission of acceptable documentation is required for reimbursement. Documentation in the form cancelled checks, receipts, invoices, etc. for costs associated with approved projects must be submitted to MDAR and approved prior to reimbursement.  MDAR may publish information and images from your project on its web site or agency social media as examples for other operations engaging in similar projects.

   Unless your operation demonstrates significant need during the process, your grant funds will be distributed in one lump sum upon conclusion of your project.

   Projects must be completed by June 30th.