Press Release

Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $3.6 Million in Grants to Support Farmers

For immediate release:
12/17/2024
  • Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $3.6 Million in Grants to Support Farmers

Phu Mai, Director of Communications

Boston — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP), the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP), the Cranberry Bog Renovation (CBRG) Program, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP). These grants, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), provide funding to local farmers. The funding supports farmers in meeting strict food safety standards, improving soil health and management through composting, sustaining cranberry growing operations, and adapting to changing climate conditions. It also enhances their contributions to the state’s carbon reduction and climate change mitigation goals.

“Our farmers face countless challenges, so it’s critical that we support them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These four programs help ensure a safe, local food supply, grown by dedicated farmers who prioritize sustainability, providing us all with healthy, responsibly-produced food.”

“From the Berkshires to Barnstable County, our farms are significant economic drivers and the backbone of our local food system. Their success benefits us all,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Programs like these help improve and strengthen Massachusetts farms in the short and long term.”

The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) allows produce and aquaculture operations to purchase modern storage, refrigeration, and washing equipment to meet stringent food safety standards on their farms. It enables growing operations to access wider markets, meet buyer demands, increase local food consumption, and protect public health by reducing food safety risks.

The Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP) funds equipment and projects to improve agricultural composting practices and facilitate the use of compost as a valuable soil amendment on farms. MDAR also provides technical assistance to farms conducting agricultural composting and encourages farms to utilize compost as a soil amendment or manure management tool.

The Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program (CBRG) provides reimbursement to cranberry operations that implement projects that improve both bog design and production while preventing, reducing, or eliminating negative environmental impacts that may occur from cranberry production. By funding these projects, the program enhances the cranberry industry's overall financial and environmental sustainability.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) incentivizes voluntary adoption of conservation, soil health, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-smart agricultural practices. The funding allows agricultural operations to accomplish climate mitigation solutions and ensure economic resiliency as they adapt to a changing climate. The program is broken into two categories: Environmental and Energy. Projects include high tunnels to allow farmers to extend the growing season for their crops, equipment to facilitate no-till planting that helps preserve soil carbon, photovoltaic arrays to allow for on-farm renewable energy generation, and reverse osmosis machines to help maple syrup producers significantly reduce energy consumption.

"Climate change is making farming more difficult, and it's crucial that we stand by farmers as they adapt to secure a stable food supply,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper. “These programs offer the support and resources farmers need to improve their practices, protect the environment, and build stronger, more resilient communities."

“At every stage, farms face many unpredictable factors that can lead to consequential and devastating results which is why these programs have proven to be transformative in allowing them to adapt and thrive in the face of this uncertainty,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We know that farmers are some of the most resourceful and resilient people in any industry. It’s in their nature to endure and we are pleased to be able to offer these grant opportunities to support their resilience.”

"Once again the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Legislature and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, is delivering timely and meaningful grants to farms and farmers in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district," said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). "Our farmers work tirelessly to provide healthy, local products to residents across Massachusetts, and need strategic state investments like these grants to support their work to rise to the challenges of climate change and economic volatility."

The following are the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program grant recipients for 2025:

Farm NameProject DetailsCity/TownAward
Winter Moon RootsNew plastic bins to replace wooden bins.  Plastic bins can be properly washed and sanitized, do not pose a threat of adding foreign material to the crop, and do not pose a threat to worker safetyHadley$37,256
Bardwell FarmNew plastic storage bins and harvest crates.Hatfield$20,633
Fat Moon Farm, LLCNew anti-microbial grow racks that will provide a smooth, non-porous surface that is resistant to rust and corrosionChelmsford$25,050
Atlas Farm, LLCNew plastic bins to replace wooden binsDeerfield$48,134
Bay-Breeze, Inc.New insulated truck with electric standby ensuring temperature-controlled oysters in transit and an emission free option while not in transportWestport$50,000
Boston Area GleanersWashing and packing infrastructure to ensure the safe handling of post-harvest produceActon$42,569
Cape Abilities, Inc.New walk-in refrigeration, storage sheds, hand washing stations, harvest bins, and cartsDennis$38,441
Quonquont Farm, LLCNew plastic macro-bins to replace wooden binsWhatley$2,781
Spindrift Oysters, LLCNew equipment including an oyster counter, washer, bagger, hopper, and conveyor and two insulated vatsWestport$36,758
Johnny Putt FarmNew plastic containers for harvesting, packing, holding, and processing of produceLittleton$1,264
Fairview Orchards, Inc.New plastic harvest binsGroton$11,600
Iron Ox FarmNew post-harvest, washing and packing station by excavating a site and pouring a new concrete pad to accommodate two existing shipping walk-in coolers, and adding a roof over the coolers to create an interior space for the washing and packing of produceHamilton$17,872
Beer Money Oyster Company, LLCNew ice machine with water pump and two insulated vatsPlymouth$11,184
Whittier Farms, Inc.New equipment for improved food safety, including pesticide storage and harvest container storageSutton$28,739
Tony Andrews FarmNew cold storage to replace existing inefficient cold storage on propertyFalmouth$16,335
Lanni Orchards, Inc.New harvest containers, plastic bins, and crates, as well as utility carts, benches, and two portable restrooms w/handwashingLunenburg$8,528
Simon EdwardsTwo insulated vats for the safe storage and transportation of oystersNantucket$2,856

The following are the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program grant recipients for 2025:

Farm NameProject DetailsCity/TownAward
Baldwin FarmCompost ScreenerW. Stockbridge$21,874.50
Diemand Egg FarmCompost ScreenerWendell$32,053
East Meadow FarmCompost ScreenerE. Longmeadow$59,153.56
Feather Brook FarmCompost Screener, Windrow TurnerRaynham$56,145
High Lawn FarmCompost SpreaderLee$28,200
    
Kinne Brook FarmCompost Turner, Grapple AttachmentWorthington$29,226
Paradox AcresCompost SpreaderDartmouth$17,812.50
Reed FarmCompost BaggerSunderland$56,208.75
Royal Crest FarmCompost PadSterling$75,000
Stonefield FarmCompost Materials MixerActon$44,500
Sunny Brook FarmCompost Pad, Hoop EnclosureHadley$39,525
Teedlebug FarmCompost SpreaderMiddleboro$5,625
Upingil Farm, GillCompost Pad, ChipperGill$11,044

The following are the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program recipients for 2025:

Farm NameProject DetailsCity/TownAward
Back River Bog Company, LLCCranberry bog renovation on 3.8 acres.Bourne$95,000
Beaton's, Inc.Cranberry bog renovation on 8 acres.Rochester$125,000
E.J. Pontiff Cranberries, Inc.Cranberry bog renovation on 6.5 acres.Carver$125,000
Eagle Holt Cranberry Co., Inc.Cranberry bog renovation on 9 acres.Wareham$125,000
Georgetown CranberryCranberry bog renovation on 3 acres.South Yarmouth$75,000
Piney Wood Cranberry Company, Inc.Cranberry bog renovation on 8 acres.Plymouth$125,000
Quaker Run Cranberries, LLCCranberry bog renovation on 4 acres.Marston’s Mills$100,000
Rocky Maple BogsCranberry bog renovation on 4 acres.Wareham$100,000
Webster Cranberry, LLCCranberry bog renovation on 4 acres.Norwell$100,000

The following local agricultural operations are receiving grants through the Climate Smart Agriculture Program for 2025:

Section I: Environmental

Farm NameProject DetailsCity/TownAward
Barrett's Mill Farm PartnershipFlail mower allowing for improved management of cover cropsConcord$8,000
Bay-Breeze, Inc.Tier-three diesel marine engine to replace current engine which has no emission controls, reducing both air pollution and water pollutionWestport$50,000
Boston Area GleanersNo-till drill, flail mower, 3-point hitch and PTO, with the intended benefits of reduced erosion, increased soil organic matter, improved water filtration and retention, reductions of CO2Acton$50,000
Chase Hill FarmRipsower, penetrometer, and laser level that will reduce compaction allowing for increased availability of nutrients and maximizing infiltration of waterWarwick$23,300
Earle M Parsons & Sons, Inc.Manure injector for improved soil health and the protection of water qualityHadley$50,000
Fletcher FarmImproved ventilation in dairy facility by installing eight energy efficient fans that will improve cow comfort, resulting in better milk production, while providing environmental controls due do temperature fluctuationsSouthampton$19,100
Holiday Brook Farm, LLCMaple vacuum monitoring system that will improve sap collection as variability in temperatures from climate change are producing lower yieldsDalton$9,800
Hopestill FarmHoop-house for seedling production and irrometers for measuring soil moisture, allowing them to reduce water use by irrigating only when neededSherborn$11,900
Idyllvale Farm, LLCManure spreader to improve soil health and reduce manure run-off by more precise applicationLittleton$42,800
Kosinski FarmDrip irrigation for blueberry crop, allowing for water saving benefits compared to overhead irrigation, while also reducing water runoff and soil erosionWestfield$20,300
Land's Sake, Inc.No-till drill and row mulcherWeston$47,200
Little Leaf Farms, LLCTwo water tank aeration systems for hydroponic greenhouses which will help with root development of younger plants by agitating particulate matter that settles in supply tanks, allowing for more effective filtrationDevens$50,000
Luther-Belden, Inc.No-till planterHatfield$50,000
Maple Shade Farm, Inc.Upgrades to three barns for dairy operations to help adapt with extreme weather, including taking down walls for increased air flow, installing curtains, installing fans, sprinklers, free stalls and pipeSheffield$50,000
McCray's FarmNo-till drill and zone-tillage equipmentSouth Hadley$48,400
North Country HarvestDrone to be used for mid-season cover crop seedingWestfield$43,100
O'Brien Garden CenterWell installation that will allow them to improve water use efficiency and availability for their greenhouse – taking them off municipal waterPeabody$23,800
Ogonowski FarmReplacement of current overhead irrigation to drip irrigation with moisture sensors which will reduce water useDracut$5,000
Osamequin Farm, Inc.Equipment for their shared cooperative of small farms that operate on the property. The equipment includes a BCS walk-behind tractor with flail mower and compost spreader attachmentsSeekonk$10,900
Pomeroy Farm, LLCManure spreader to improve soil health and reduce manure run-off by more precise applicationWestfield$27,600
Quaker Run Cranberries, LLCTailwater recovery pump that will reduce fuel use, improve water quality, as well as conserve water for their operationOsterville$37,000
Red Fire FarmPortable wind machine used for frost protection for crops and reduce water use from using irrigation as protectionMontague$34,500
River Valley FarmNew irrigation system for blueberry crop that will allow for frost protection, provide a source of water for drought conditions, and reduce water use over traditional irrigation systemsLeverett$50,000
Rocky Acres FarmManure spreader to improve soil health and reduce manure run-off by more precise applicationWarren$37,500
Rocky Maple BogsTier-4 diesel pump for their cranberry operation reducing emissions, and allowing for more efficient water managementCarver$42,100
Shaw Farm Dairy, Inc.Manure spreader to work with existing manure storage and transfer systemDracut$46,800
Stones Throw Farm, LLCTwo high-tunnels for extending their growing season and for a controlled growing environment and rain-water catchment off their new farmstand for irrigation useWest Boylston$17,200
University of MA - Student Farming EnterpriseFunding for the UMass Agricultural Learning Center for pasture management practices for establishing resiliency against extreme weather events while building soil health and improving animal welfareAmherst$15,500

Upswing Farm, LLC

Funding for the purchase and planting of perennial crops allowing for increased production while reducing degradation of soils, reduced water use, and providing for pollinators and beneficial insectsPepperell$14,200
Warner Farm, LLCNo-till drillSunderland$36,900
Whitemarz Farm, LLCTwo high tunnels for growing in a controlled environment and for season extensionLunenburg$24,200
Whittier Farms, Inc.Upgrades to dairy and beef barns with new fans and waterers to improve water management and improve environmental controls due to temperature fluctuations that allow for improved cow comfort and increased productionSutton$37,000
Ziomek Farm, LLCUpgrade irrigation system including a new Tier-4 emissions compliant pump, suction pipe, and fittings allowing for water conservation and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissionsAmherst$25,900

Section II: Energy

Farm NameProject DetailsCity/TownAward
Atlas Farm, LLCNew electric tractorDeerfield$49,312
Canton Equestrian Center, Inc.Heat pumpCanton$27,576
Codman Community Farms, Inc.Cold storage space and energy efficient walk-in coolerLincoln$30,396
Copper Beech Farm, Inc.Photovoltaic system to existing aquaculture remote powered upwelling systemMattapoisett$11,604
Country Maple FarmsEnergy efficient maple syrup equipment including evaporator, vacuum pump and reverse osmosis equipmentShelburne Falls$47,975
Curcurbit Farm, LLCLED lighting upgradesActon$9,840
Dick's Market Garden, Inc.Two roof-mounted photovoltaic systems rated at 25 kW collectively to offset farm's cooler and greenhouse loadsLunenburg$50,000
Diemand Egg Farm, Inc.73.4 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic  system to offset 46% of farm’s total electric useMillers Falls$50,000
Eva's Garden16.8 kW pole mounted photovoltaic system with battery storage along with heat pumps to replace electric resistance heat and air conditioning unitsSouth Dartmouth$50,000
Fairfields Dairy Farm, LLCRobotic manure sweeper for dairy barn and new compressors for bulk tank refrigeration and a "free" heater for their domestic hot water system utilizing waste refrigeration heat off the compressorsWilliamstown$37,511
Farmer Daves, LLCConverting an existing fixed parked diesel powered refrigeration trailer to all-electric tying into the farm's roof-mounted photovoltaic systemDracut$46,800
Georgetown Cranberry20 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic system to offset energy needs of cranberry operationSouth Yarmouth$40,000
Gray's SugarhouseReverse osmosis system to improve the efficiency of their maple syrup operationAshfield$14,296
Hopestill FarmEnergy related improvements to existing farmstand including a roof-mounted photovoltaic system with battery storage, a heat pump and walk-in coolerSherborn$34,169
Konjoian's Greenhouses and Landscape SolutionsEnergy efficiency upgrades to main greenhouse including glazing, ridge vent roof venting, sidewalls and endwalls as well as controlsAndover$43,156
Moon In The Pond Farm, Inc.7.56 kW ground-mounted photovoltaic system with battery back-up to offset 130% of the farm's current useSheffield$18,400
Red Fire Farm104 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic system on top of new barn, anticipating serving 100% of their existing and future farm electric needsMontague$50,000
Ross Haven Farm, Inc.15.12 kW ground-mounted photovoltaic system that will offset 111% of the farm's existing electric useSturbridge$30,240
Round The Bend Farm, Inc.20 kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system to offset 100% of the load in their main maintenance buildingSouth Dartmouth$16,355
Stillman Quality Meats, LLC35 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic system offsetting 100% of the farm's operation annual electric useHardwick$50,000
Sweet Brook Beef Co.Energy efficient vacuum pump with a VFD for their maple syrup operationWilliamstown$12,644
The Neighborhood Farm, LLC19.98 kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system on their barn roof to offset 88% of their current usageWestport$39,960
Valcourt Sugar ShackReverse osmosis equipment to improve the efficiency of their maple syrup operationPetersham$11,488
William J. Gould Associates, Inc.Energy efficient improvements for main greenhouse, including roof vents, thermal curtain and controlsMonterey$28,278

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Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $3.6 Million in Grants to Support Farmers

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