Cranberry Renovation & Enhancement Program

Next steps

1. Determine your eligibility

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

   • Applicant must be an agricultural operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A that are principally and substantially engaged in the business of cranberry production for production purposes;
   • The property must be in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for at least the three (3) years previous to the date of application;
   • Are bogs greater than one (1) acre in size and in agricultural use as set forth in 310 CMR 10.04; 

2. Review the Request for Response

   Before applying, please read the Request for Response below. 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, 2.12 MB,  FY26 Cranberry Renovation & Enhancement Program - Request for Response (RFR) (English, PDF 2.12 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 business, details of the project you are proposing, and the environmental benefits associated with the proposed project.
   • A description of the design and installation if applying for a renovation project. 
   • Your justification for how the proposed project will improve productivity and sustainability for the cranberry operation. 
   • How the project will be maintained after completion.
   • An itemized project budget and quotes for the proposed project. 
   • Additional documentation in the form of maps, balance of funding, and a NRCS Conservation Plan if available. 

4. Submit your application

   Submit your application through the online grant management system. 

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. Estimated date that awards will be issued is October 2025.

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.