Apply to the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program

Background

The Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program aims to enhance Massachusetts farmers markets through marketing, promotion, consumer education, planning, and infrastructure. All farmers markets that meet MDAR’s policy on farmers markets are eligible to apply for funds to support these efforts.

Who May Apply?

• Farmers markets that meet MDAR's Policy for Massachusetts Farmers Markets. Be sure to review the complete policy before applying.

• The Policy defines farmers market as public markets for the primary purpose of connecting and mutually benefiting Massachusetts farmers, communities, and shoppers while promoting and selling products grown and raised by participating farmers. Eligible farmers markets must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the Policy, which includes the following:  

  • Two or more farmers, or their employees, volunteers, or representatives, who are present at all times during the operation of the farmers’ market and who are selling products of which a majority are grown, produced, or raised by the farmer at their agricultural operation within the Commonwealth. 

  • Set hours of operation and operate on a regular schedule.  

  • The products are clearly labeled as to origin.  

  • The market complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.   

  • The market must have, and abide by, a set of written rules that govern the operation of the market and, at a minimum, assures the primary purpose of a Massachusetts farmers market as providing a direct marketing opportunity for Massachusetts farmers, foresters, and fisheries and addresses the following:  

    • Terms and conditions of sales, including pricing and labeling. 

    • Vendor eligibility and product source.  

  • Compliance by all vendors with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 

• Farmers markets are structured in a variety of ways. Some are managed by local municipalities, while others are managed by non-profit organizations, LLC’s, community development associations, or other entities and legal structures. Some farmers markets are led by volunteers. The farmers market must be able to enter into a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

How much funding is available?

MDAR intends to fund $100,000 in projects through this program with a maximum award of $10,000 per farmers market. Organizations that manage more than one farmers market (i.e., a summer and winter market or two distinct markets in separate locations) may apply for a maximum award of $15,000. Applicants may only submit a single (1) proposal. 

This program does not have a cost sharing or match requirement. 

This is a one-time funding opportunity. 

Request for Response (RFR)

See “downloads” below to download the Request for Response (RFR). This document outlines and explains all details, requirements, and instructions for the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program. 

Online Application

Use the online form to submit your application and supporting documents. You can find a list of supporting documents in the "Downloads" section of this webpage.   

Applications must be RECEIVED electronically by Wednesday, November 29, 2023, by 4:00pm.  

Late submissions will not be accepted.  Failure to provide any of the materials listed below may result in the disqualification of the proposal. Applications that are sent by email, mail, or fax will NOT be accepted. 

Awarded projects must be completed by June 30, 2024. 

Applicants may submit questions regarding the RFR and application process.  

Please submit questions by email to: David.Webber@mass.gov.  The deadline for questions is Monday, November 20, at 4:00 p.m.  Responses to questions, along with an FAQ, will be posted to the Farmers Market webpage and COMMBUYS.  

The Farmers Market Sustainability Grant RFR and other supporting documentation and information is posted openly on Commbuys under Bid # BD-24-1002-1003-001-94417. It is the responsibility of every applicant to check COMMBUYS for any addenda or modifications to an RFR to which they intend to respond.

MDAR cannot assist in the preparation of grant applications. In order to maintain the integrity of the competitive grant process, MDAR cannot advise or provide individuals with any information regarding specific applications during the solicitation process. 

An informational webinar was held for interested applicants on November 2, 2023. To access the recording of the webinar, email David.Webber@Mass.gov.