Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $650,000 to Support Farm Growth and Longevity Across Massachusetts

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $650,000 in grants to 13 farms across Massachusetts, following their successful completion of required business planning and the formal approval of their proposed capital investment plans of equipment and infrastructure, that will strengthen their operations and support the local agricultural economy. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program and the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Improvement Program (AIP), provides business assistance and capital funding for farms to grow and enhance their contributions to the farming community.

“Massachusetts farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply, and our communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These investments give farmers the tools they need to grow their businesses, improve their operations, and remain competitive. Their success means more jobs, stronger local economies and fresh, locally grown food for communities across Massachusetts.”

“We are thrilled by the incredible progress MEGA and AIP recipients have made through our tailored business support to their farms,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “The strategic capital improvements will allow them to maximize their efficiency and continue to grow fresh products for us to enjoy.”

This year, the MEGA Program has allocated $65,900 to seven beginning farms, in addition to providing individualized business planning and technical assistance, to help foster their growth. After completing their business plans, participants also receive matching grants of up to $30,000 to fund priority capital improvements identified through the planning process. Since its launch in 2010, the MEGA Program has awarded more than $1.2 million in total grants to 132 farms, averaging around $9,804 per farm, and provided $555,600 in business and technical assistance.

The APR Improvement Program has awarded $592,980 in total grants for infrastructure improvements to six protected farms this year. Similar to the MEGA Program, AIP provides business planning and technical assistance to participating farms but is available to established commercial farms with land that is protected through MDAR’s APR Program and offers grants of up to $150,000 per farm to help sustain their agricultural production. Since 2009, AIP has awarded nearly $10 million to 133 APR farms across the state, that collectively steward a total of 18,844 acres of farmland.

"The agricultural industry is so instrumental to the Massachusetts economy, and with significant investments recently by the Legislature, in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration, we continue to stand committed in assisting hard-working farmers all across the Commonwealth,” said State Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means Michael J. Rodrigues (D – Westport). “I am thrilled that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has awarded Hay Ray’s Farm in my district in Westport a $90,000 grant to for a new barn. Hay Ray’s is an established organic farm and feed vendor that has a strong and loyal following in Westport and surrounding communities. This grant will greatly help to grow and enhance their burgeoning farming operations.”   

“Congratulations to the 13 farms receiving these well-deserved grants and thank you to MDAR and the Administration for prioritizing these projects,” said State Representative Kim Ferguson (R – Holden). “This investment will help strengthen local agriculture, support our hard-working farm families and will help to ensure the ongoing success of our local farms into the future. Special congratulations to Jordan Dairy Farm in Rutland and Stimson Farm in Princeton for their successful application and receipt of AIP grant funds. I am grateful for what they do day in and day out in our region and beyond.”

The following are the farms awarded MEGA grants for FY26: 

The following are the farms awarded AIP grants for FY26:  

For more information about these programs, visit Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) and APR Improvement Program (AIP).

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