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MDAR’s Environmental Justice Strategy Progress Updates

MDAR's Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Program aims to foster equitable engagement and empower underserved farmers and communities by developing inclusive policies, providing multilingual support, and facilitating access to all agency resources. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and data-driven initiatives, MDAR seeks to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient agricultural landscape and food system in Massachusetts.

In an effort to increase transparency, this webpage highlights MDAR’s progress made on goals outlined in the Environmental Justice Strategy and highlights environmental justice and equity-focused initiatives that have been implemented in the department. 

To share questions or comments, please either submit an inquiry through our feedback form or contact MDAR.EJ@Mass.gov  

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2025 EJ Strategy Progress Report:

MDAR’s 2025 EJ Strategy Progress Report will be released shortly. Please check back for updates. 

2024 EJ Strategy Progress Report:

MDAR’s 2024 EJ Strategy Progress Report will be released shortly. Please check back for updates.

EJ Strategy Progress:

In quarterly editions of MDAR’s EJ Newsletter, we share progress made on the EJ strategy. The below features a list of all highlighted actions from newsletter editions. To stay updated on future progress, sign up for MDAR’s EJ Newsletter.

While this list offers an extensive insight into the progress made by MDAR on the 2024 release of the Environmental Justice Strategy, this list is not comprehensive and does not feature all environmental justice and equity-related actions being taken by the department. For questions on specific tasks or elements of the EJ Strategy, please contact a member of MDAR’s Environmental Justice Team or MDAR.EJ@Mass.gov.

May 2025:

  • On April 29th, the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE), MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) attended an in-person Spring Convening at the State House hosted by the Governor's Office in recognition of April as Language Access Month. The event celebrated the efforts of state agencies in advancing language access across the Commonwealth and reaffirmed a shared commitment to reducing barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency. It also highlighted the ongoing work to ensure that government services, programs, and activities are inclusive and accessible to all residents.

March 2025:

Webpage accessibility: MDAR’s EJ Team has been working to increase the accessibility of our webpages and key documents for constituents that use assisted technology, including screen readers. If you have questions or concerns with the accessibility of our virtual documents, contact MDAR.EJ@Mass.gov or reach out to our ADA Coordinator, Gabriella.Knight@Mass.gov.  

  • Agricultural Equity Network (the Network): On March 14th, the Network met with MDAR Commissioner Randle and EJ staff. The Network provided updates that highlighted how engagement between it and MDAR have been moving the needle in key ag equity areas, and MDAR led a discussion in regards to recent federal cuts impact on Massachusetts Ag, updates on equity priorities that the Network raised to MDAR including grants, and new ways for MDAR to connect with the Network. These discussions continue to advance equity in agriculture and amplify BIPOC voices in policy and program development. Join upcoming Network meetings at 5pm on April 25th, and May 16th. If you’d like more information or to be added to the Network’s email list, please reach out to Norris at Norris@mafoodsystem.org
  • Hashtag Survey Results: Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey! Join us in utilizing these top three hashtags with social media posts

#GrowTogetherMA

#MassAgForAll

#SustainableAgMA

  • In January, MDAR staff Dimple Rana, EJ Outreach Coordinator, and Dr. Sherine Brown, MassGrown’s Wellness Counselor, attended and tabled at the inaugural Care Farming Network Conference, a national gathering organized by the Care Farming Network, a program of Red Wiggler Care Farm. Founded in 1996, Red Wiggler is a care farm where individuals with developmental disabilities work, learn, and grow healthy food alongside others. Care farming combines therapeutic farming practices with health, well-being, and social inclusion, offering services to a wide range of individuals, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, seniors with dementia, and those experiencing substance use or mental health challenges. Through hands-on farm-based activities, care farms foster confidence, connection, and community while promoting physical activity, skill-building, and mental wellness. In Massachusetts there are 15 Care Farms you can find and add your farm to the growing list. See more below.
  • In February, MDAR staff attended and tabled at the NOFA-MA Winter Conference, Rooted in Abundance, a day filled with learning, connection, and celebration. The event brought together farmers, gardeners, advocates, and agricultural professionals to explore regional soil health and food access through regenerative and organic practices. Highlights included engaging workshops and vibrant discussions centered on community resilience and sustainable agriculture. It was an opportunity to deepen relationships, exchange ideas, and uplift the shared goal of a more just and abundant food system.

January 2025:

  • State-Owned Farmland Licensing Program: MDAR conducted targeted outreach to Self-Identified Socially Disadvantaged Farmers through phone and email and supported an informational webinar and site visits to raise awareness about the State-Owned Farmland Licensing Program, which was accepting proposals for properties in Agawam, Middleborough, and Lakeville. The program provides opportunities for new and beginning farmers to lease parcels, with flexible terms designed to encourage small, diversified agricultural operations. Self-identify as a Socially Disadvantaged Farmer.
  • Climate Resources: A new flyer is now available online on MDAR’s Climate Program webpage, highlighting MDAR’s climate efforts, including ResilientMass, CSAP, and the MassGrown Map.
  • Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFW) Program: MDAR has reconnected and re-established collaboration with MassHire who support MSFWs through services such as job assistance, training, legal guidance, and essential services like housing and healthcare referrals. The program also helps agricultural employers with workforce solutions, H-2A compliance, labor law resources, and customized training programs to build a skilled workforce. For assistance, contact Outreach Specialist Libby Hernandez at libby.hernandez2@mass.gov or 857-276-8907. Learn more about the program.
  • Massachusetts Food System Forum: On 12/17/2024, MDAR staff joined over 250 participants at the Massachusetts Food System Forum to discuss climate change, equity, and sustainable agriculture. Rebecca Davidson, Director of Food and Climate Equity, and Katharine Otto, Farmland Action Plan Coordinator, presented on the panel “Furthering Implementation of Massachusetts’ Food System Plans.” The discussion highlighted progress on the MA Farmland Action Plan, equity and EJ, next steps, and plans for collaboration, while also marking the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. MDAR hosted a resource table to engage with attendees.
  • MANRRS Career Fair: On 12/6/2024, MDAR participated in the inaugural Cultivating Careers Symposium hosted by the UMass Amherst MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) Chapter, established in 2023 under the leadership of Mateo Rull Garza and Dr. Jaime Pinero. Commissioner Ashley Randle delivered a keynote address alongside Dr. Stephon Fitzpatrick, President of National MANRRS and Executive Director of Together We Grow. MDAR staff engaged with students to discuss career interests and opportunities in the public sector and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
  • Eastie Farms Presentation: On 11/18/2024, MDAR presented an overview of the department and agricultural careers to Climate Corps fellows as part of Eastie Farms’ green job employers series.
  • Agricultural Equity Network (AEN): On 11/8/2024, the AEN met with MDAR Commissioner Randle and staff to discuss updates on the Farmland Action Plan, challenges faced by BIPOC farmers, and equity in grant-making and outreach. Members provided feedback on public-private partnerships, HIP, and budgetary concerns, while MDAR reaffirmed its commitment to equity, language access, and inclusive outreach. These discussions continue to advance equity in agriculture and amplify BIPOC voices in policy and program development. Join upcoming AEN meetings at 5pm on January 6, February 21, and March 26th. If you’d like more information or to be added to the Network’s email list, please reach out to Norris at Norris@mafoodsystem.org

September 2024:

  • MDAR’s Agricultural Grant Writing Assistance List - See details below
  • Exploring collaboration with DESE on the Local Food for Schools Program, if you are interested in selling to schools, reach out to the MDAR EJ Team
  • Ensuring priority funding for farmers markets in EJ Communities remains a key focus. This is the second time the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant has prioritized EJ communities, with the majority of awards from the first round going to EJ areas. The recording of the September 6th webinar is available on MDAR’s Farmers Market webpage. The deadline to apply for the 2024 grant is October 8th.
  • Historically Underserved Resource Page - In recognition that systemic racism has created barriers that prevent Historically Underserved Farmers from accessing farmland, capital, and resources necessary to be successful and viable in the Massachusetts Food System, MDAR has created this list of resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Producers.

July 2024:

May 2024:

  • Increased outreach for the Land Licensing Program to Socially Disadvantaged farmers (including BIPOC farmers) in Massachusetts to raise awareness of an open opportunity for land licensing in Templeton. Learn more about the Land Licensing Program.
  • Promoted the “Big E” Massachusetts Building opportunity to Socially Disadvantaged farmers and producers, with a focus on surrounding EJ communities. Learn more about the Big E.
  • Completed Language Access Training for three MDAR Divisions.
  • MDAR’s RFSI Grant integrated EJ criteria in the evaluation process, providing additional points for both Historically Underserved Farmers and Environmental Justice Communities.
  • Conducted outreach to Self-Identified Socially Disadvantaged Farmers through phone and email outreach. Self-identify as a Socially Disadvantaged Farmer.
  • Launched a Spanish Language Course for Farmers Market Managers to address critical language barriers at farmers markets. Email Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov with questions or to learn more.

January 2024:

  • During the last few months, MDAR has solicited feedback on a draft Language Access Plan (LAP) to guide how department staff will ensure language access to programs and services.  This stakeholder feedback encouraged MDAR to...
  • Analyze possible mechanisms for funding organizations to better provide language access services;
  • Explore partnering with organizations to receive feedback on our language access services and to facilitate outreach; and
  • Add additional languages to our list of important agriculture languages in the Commonwealth.
  • ... In response to this important feedback, MDAR has integrated the proposed ideas into our Language Access Plan and will continue to assess how to fully integrate these topics into our programs. The LAP is currently under review and will be available for public release in the following months.
  • In closing, we want to emphasize that stakeholders can request translation services at any time through our Translation Request form. You can request language services in any language, even if it was not identified in the top 10 languages spoken by Massachusetts stakeholders.
  • MDAR staff would be happy to attend both virtual and in-person meetings to share our language services and provide support to stakeholders. Please contact MDAR's EJ Team with any requests.

November 2023:

  • In accordance with Executive Order #615, signed September 13th, MDAR is currently developing a Language Access Plan to guide our communication with stakeholders. This plan will detail document translation services, interpretation requests, staff language access training, and more. MDAR will be seeking input into our Language Access Plan. We’ll be disseminating a survey and information on how to provide input in upcoming communications.
  • As part of these language access efforts, MDAR is currently in the processes of translating vital, high-traffic documents into the 10 most popular languages. These documents will later be shared via MDAR's website for public access.
  • If you would like a document translated into a language not already provided, please fill out this online form.
  • As a reminder, all Mass.gov content can be translated via the google translate feature. The directions detailing this process are located below:  

September 2023:

  • Recently, MDAR mailed printed versions of our EJ Booklet to our database of Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers, in an effort to increase access to our programs and services among Environmental Justice communities. Requests for printed copies of our EJ Booklet can be made by emailing olivia.palmer@mass.gov.
  • We have also received feedback from stakeholders indicating additional languages for translation of our EJ Booklet. We are excited to announce that the Booklet is now available in Cape Verdean Creole. All other translations can be found on the List of Translated Resources.
  • Over the next few months, the MDAR Environmental Justice team will also be exploring:
  • Developing a Language Access Plan and dispersing to all MDAR staff members to guide their communication with stakeholders.
  • Exploring opportunities to train staff on Environmental Justice, as it was stated as a priority in our Draft Environmental Justice Strategy (pg 64. under trainings).

July 2023:

  • Stakeholders have shared with us that farmers are looking for easy-to-access, translated information on MDAR Programs and Services, and who to contact for key programs. As such, MDAR’s EJ Program published a booklet detailing the programs and services provided by MDAR. This booklet provides information on grants, resources, translation services, and is translated into 8 different languages. 

EJ Booklet | العربية | Kriolu di Cabo Verde | 简体中文 | 繁體中文 | Français | Kreyòl ayisyen | Lus Hmoob | ភាសាខ្មែរ | Português, Portugal | Русский | Soomaali | Español | Tiếng Việt

MDAR Programs and Services Handout

  • Over the next few months, the MDAR Environmental Justice team will be exploring:
  • Enhancing Language Services - by increasing the number of translated documents and providing access to interpretation services.
  • Reviewing, responding to, and integrating public comments received on the EEA Environmental Justice Draft Strategy.
  • Increasing outreach and support for farmers through our self-identification tool.
  • Planning for in-person and virtual Community Engagement Sessions. Your Feedback is important to us to ensure our sessions reflect the interests and concerns facing Environmental Justice communities and stakeholders.  

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