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Agricultural Resource Fair 

***NOTE - 2 hour Weather Delay***

MDAR brings together government and non-profit organizations to offer a one-on-one opportunity for you to discuss programs, services and grants to assist your farm business.  

The Fair’s goal is to assist in making the agricultural industries in Massachusetts sustainable and viable. There is no fee to participate and coffee and locally sourced snacks will be provided throughout the day. Come for an hour, or join us for the day!

Friday, March 6, 2026 - NEW updated times - 11:00am - 4:00pm. 

Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St, Gardner

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Workshops

11:00 am

  • USDA Grants and Loan Programs in 2026 - Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  • Farm Marketing, Where to Start - MDAR Division of Ag Markets, Rick LeBlanc and Katelyn Rozenas-Hanson

12:00 am

  • Land Access and Preservation - MDAR Division of Conservation and Technical Assistance, Jasper Cowley and Ryan Burke
  • Farm Financing for Retirement and Farm Transition - The Carrot Project, Jeff Cole

1:00 pm

  • MDAR Grants – Overview and Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) - MDAR Food Security, Holly Velleca and MDAR Grant Admins, Keri Cornman and Julia Nelson
  • Growing Retail Sales without Infrastructure Investments - Local Food Entrepreneurship Program (LEAF) and the MA Food Trust Program

2:00 pm          

  • Agritourism and Farm Event Marketing - MDAR Division of Ag Markets, Rick LeBlanc, Andre Tougas, Tougas Family Farm, and Heidi Cooper, Lilac Hedge Farm.
  • Selling to Schools: Fresh and Value-Added Opportunities - CommonWealth Kitchen and Massachusetts Farm to School

3:00 pm          

  • Whole Farm Planning for Livestock Farmers & Support with Land Management & Access to Working Capital for Your Farm - Max Breiteneicher, Apprentice Farm Conservation Planner & Jeff Hoodlet, Senior Agricultural and Conservation Technical Specialist - American Farmland Trust
  • Value Added Processing and the Pioneer Valley Investment Fund - Franklin County CDC and PVIF

Exhibitors

MDAR staff from every Division will be in attendance. You can learn about the many program and services we offer.

MDAR staff

Hope to see you there!

Contact

Online

Email Mackenzie May at Mackenzie.A.May@mass.gov

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