Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP)

Next steps   for Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP)

1. Determine your eligibility

   To be eligible for consideration under the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program applicants must meet the following requirements:

   • Applicant must be a produce or aquaculture operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A that are principally and substantially engaged in agricultural production for commercial purposes;
   • Applicant must own the property upon which the project will be implemented or have a written lease agreement with the owner;
   • Are legally recognized entities within the Commonwealth and have the ability to enter a legally binding agreement with the Commonwealth;
   • Property must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Applicant for at least the three (3) previous years to the date of the application. 

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, and examples of project ideas.

   Open PDF file, 1.84 MB,  FY25 Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) - Request for Response (RFR) (English, PDF 1.84 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 produce or aquaculture business, details of the project you are proposing and the food safety 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. If applicable, produce applicants should also include a copy of their Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) certificate, and/or their Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) grower training course certificate. If applicable, aquaculture operations should also include a copy of their HACCP certification. 

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 makes 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.

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.