Membership associations that support farmers with regional meetings, workshops, twilight meetings and more. If you are a new farmer, these groups can offer a great opportunity to learn from each other. Below is a list of the commodity groups with brief descriptions and website for more information.
Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association (CCCGA)
The CCCGA represents approximately 330 growers throughout Massachusetts. This unity has given growers both a single voice and collective strength in promoting the cranberry industry. With a professional staff that assists growers in solving everyday problems, offering assistance in regulatory compliance, sponsoring professional development seminars and organizing association activities. www.cranberries.org
MA Aquaculture Association (MAA)
MAA promotes the continued development of aquaculture (i.e. the farming of aquatic products), and to improve conditions affecting aquaculture in Massachusetts. The goals of MAA are to represent the interests of Massachusetts aquatic farmers, to encourage promotion of high-quality aquaculture products, to grow a thriving aquaculture industry, facilitate the development and transfer of relevant technology and to maintain an effective network between industry, government, and researchers. maaquaculture.org
MA Association of Dairy Farmers (MADF)
MADF is a statewide association dedicated to advancing the interests of the dairy industry and dairy farmers. The objective of the Massachusetts Association of Dairy Farmers is to encourage and promote all interests which have for their purpose the advancement of a truly viable dairy industry. madairyfarmers.org
MA Beekeepers Association
Promotes education in matters relating to honeybees and beekeeping. Assist affiliate associations in promoting successful beekeeping in the state of Massachusetts. Foster congeniality among the state’s beekeepers. Perform all other acts appropriate to an organization in serving its members. Protect and foster the honeybee’s beneficial use in the state of Massachusetts. www.massbee.org
MA Cheese Guild
The Massachusetts Cheese Guild works to advance the production, image, and enjoyment of premier cheeses from Massachusetts. We encourage and support the production of artisan and farmstead cheese, including cultured dairy products such as yogurt, made from Massachusetts milk or curd by Massachusetts cheese makers; and educate the public and those in the cheese business about Massachusetts cheeses. macheeseguild.org
MA Christmas Tree Growers
Association provides members with the knowledge to grow quality Christmas trees for today's marketplace. Offer opportunities for education to both to consumers and members, a grower-to-grower network, quarterly newsletters and magazines. Membership is dedicated to promoting the production of high quality, farm grown Christmas trees in the "Real" tree industry. christmas-trees.org
MA Cultivated Blueberry Growers Association
Bi-annual meetings aim to educate both the public and the blueberry growers on subjects like pruning techniques, fertilizer, yield maximization. Membership is open to anyone that is interested in growing blueberries, even if you only have one bush. mcbga.com
MA Flower Growers Association (MFGA)
MFGA promotes the state’s flower industry. Non-profit organization that represents the interests of the commercial industry within state government. We provide education to members and consumers, promote the industry, and support our members. massflowergrowers.com
MA Fruit Growers Association
MFGA supports the fruit industry by publishing an annual Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference. Support USApple, the national trade association for the U.S. apple industry and managing a research fund for the UMass Cold Spring Orchard. massfruitgrowers.org
MA Maple Producers Association
MMPA is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of maple sugaring in Massachusetts. Regular members are actively producing maple products or directly related to the maple industry. We support ongoing research into the many factors affecting our member farms, including production practices, quality control, environmental concerns, land development pressures and long-term tree health. massmaple.org
MA Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA)
MNLA is a nonprofit organization whose members are businesses and individuals committed to promoting awareness of environmental horticulture and upholding the highest standards of the nursery and landscape industry. MNLA is the largest green industry business development vehicle in Massachusetts, providing its members with educational opportunities, industry news, legislative representation, and business development resources. First established in 1910, MNLA has represented the needs of nursery and landscape professionals for more than 100 years. mnla.com
NE Apple Association
The nonprofit New England Apple Association promotes the New England apple industry through educational events and promotions. Website presents the wide variety of New England apples, their nutritional value, and how they are grown and prepared. Support organizations with related agricultural goals. newenglandapples.org
New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association (NEV&BGA)
NEV&BGA is the oldest vegetable growers association in America. Support and promote the vegetable and berry industry in New England. The Association publishes a newsletter three times a year, provides bulletins and magazines deemed important to its members and provides research grants to advance the sustainability of the industry. nevbga.com