Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $20 Million in Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Farmers

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $20 million to farms impacted by several severe weather events this year. The Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Program for Agriculture provides immediate assistance to 347 farmers in Western and Central Massachusetts who experienced significant crop losses due to a deep February freeze, a late May frost event, and catastrophic flooding in July. 

“After seeing the devastating damage and listening to farmers who lost their livelihoods over the summer, we knew we had to do something to support the agricultural industry. That’s what this funding demonstrates – it provides direct aid to farms,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program is helping us put farmers first so they can recover, rebuild, and become more resilient in the face of climate change. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their partnership each step of the way to support our hardworking farmers.” 

“Farmers are on the front lines of an increasingly volatile climate. When the farming community is hurting, we are hurting. Our administration has been committed to helping these farms in their time of need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The agricultural industry is instrumental in our food system and the overall economy. We hope this funding will go a long way towards ensuring this sector remains resilient.” 

The arctic freeze that swept through the state in early February caused damage to the stone fruit crop in Massachusetts, wiping out this year’s peaches and plums. In May, the overnight temperatures fell to below freezing after most fruit blossoms had set, severely damaging to apple, pear, and grape crops. July’s unprecedented rainfall caused destructive flooding in Western and Central Massachusetts, impacting thousands of acres of crops cultivated by more than 110 farms across the region. For some farmers, the events meant a total loss of their crops for the season, and for others, it substantially reduced their harvest and, as a result, their revenue. 

“The natural disasters highlight the severity of the impacts that climate change has on our environment. Our farms are becoming more vulnerable, and it is important that we help them now in their time of need but also provide the necessary long-term support,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts operates as a team, and we are dedicated to supporting this important industry in its resiliency and sustainability efforts as we anticipate continued weather events.” 

To receive funding through the NDR Program, applicants were required to be a Massachusetts-based agricultural operation growing field crops, hay and forage crops, or produce crops. Eligible farms had to demonstrate that they suffered losses of greater than 15% of their total planted acreage during one of the 2023 natural disasters.  

“Over the summer, it was heartbreaking to tour and see the destruction that the July floods caused on our farming community,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Combined with the prior frost and freeze events, our farmers suffered massive losses. After hearing from so many about what they needed in order to remain viable, we knew that immediate relief in funding was critical in order to assist in recovery efforts. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for supporting the NDR Program as a meaningful way to help our agricultural industry overcome these recent challenges.” 

“It was devastating to watch this year’s weather decimate so many livelihoods in one of our state’s critical industries—especially knowing that such events will become more frequent as the effects of climate change become more severe,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate was proud to take quick action by proposing and advocating for these funds in the budget, and I’m heartened to see the NDR Program deliver relief.” 

“The funding awarded today will not only help farmers recover from the devastating impact of climate change, but it will also help to protect the products that they provide for Massachusetts families,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D – Quincy). “Massachusetts farmers play a vital role in our economy, and we’re proud to support them during these challenging times. I would like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and my colleagues in the House and in the Senate, for approving this critical support.” 

“I am pleased to see the $20 million that the Legislature funded, in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration, is going to assist beleaguered farmers who were devastated by several incidents of severe weather,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This aid will allow the Massachusetts Agricultural industry to rebound and recover for the upcoming planting season next year. We will always stand in support for our farmers, so they not only survive, but thrive going forward.”  

"Today, $20 million is being delivered to farmers state-wide to assist with recovering and rebuilding from natural disasters," said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). "I am grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, the Healey-Driscoll administration, MDAR, and many state agency partners who have grappled with the aftermath of three climate-related disasters and their impact on farms and the food system. Of the $20 million, nearly $6.7 million in aid will help farms in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district." 

"The storm damage farms across the Commonwealth experienced over the summer was unfathomable,” said State Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Deerfield). “This direct financial assistance will go a long way in helping to ensure the continued viability of our farms, thereby maintaining the bedrock of our local food system. I stand alongside our farmers in deep gratitude for the prompt response of the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll Administration.” 

Funds from the NDR Program will be distributed immediately in time for local farms to begin the work needed for next year’s growing and harvesting season. 

The following farms are receiving payments from the program: 

Agric Organics, LLC, Wilbraham 

Agronomy Farm Vineyard, LLC, Oakham 

Albert Manzi, North Andover 

Allandale Farm, Inc., Brookline 

Allard's Farm, Inc., South Deerfield 

Almeida Farm, Rehoboth 

Alta Vista Farm, LLC, Rutland 

Amethyst Farm, LLC, Amherst 

Amherst Nurseries, Inc., Hadley 

Antonellis Farm, LLC, Deerfield 

Anything Grows, LLC, Salisbury 

Apex Orchards, Inc., Shelburne Falls 

Aponte Farm, Holyoke 

Arcadian Farms, Inc., Holliston 

Ashland Farm, New Braintree 

Atlas Farm, LLC, Deerfield  

Autumn Hills, LLC DBA Autumn HIlls Orchard, Groton 

Ayrhill Farms, Inc., Adams 

Baggott Family Farms Corporation, Longmeadow 

Bardwell Farm, Hatfield 

Barstow's Longview Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Bashista Orchards, LLC, Southampton 

Bean Farm, LLC, Westwood 

Belder Farm, South Deerfield 

Berberian Farm, Northborough 

Berry Hill Farm, LLC, Westport 

Berry Knoll Gardens, LLC, Ludlow 

Big River, LLC dba Big River Chestnuts, Leverett 

Black Birch Vineyard LLC, North Hatfield  

Blossoming Acres, LLC, Southwick 

Bob's Bogs, Inc., Berkley 

Boisvert Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Bolduc Farm, Westfield  

Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton 

Boston Hill Farm, LLC, North Andover 

Bradstreet Farm, Rowley 

Breezy Gardens, Leicester 

Broadlawn Farm, Adams 

Brookfield Orchards, Inc., North Brookfield 

Brox Farm, LLC, Dracut 

Bryan Murphy, Harwich 

Burnt Hill Blueberry Farm, Heath 

Calabrese Farms, LLC, Southwick 

Cape Cod Cranberry Realty Trust, West Barnstable 

Carlson Orchards, Inc., Harvard 

Carr's Ciderhouse, Hadley 

Carver Hill Orchard, Stow 

CAVU Farm , Cheshire  

Center View Farm, Spencer 

Chamutka Farm, West Whately 

Chenausky Farm, Orange 

Chickadee Hill Farm, Rowley 

Cider Hill Farm, LLC, Amesbury 

Circa 1638 Bartlett Farm, LLC, Salisbury 

Clark Brothers Orchards, LLC, Ashfield 

Clark Farm, Danvers 

Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Inc., Deerfield 

Clodhopper Farm, LLC, Medfield 

Clover Hill Farm, LLP, Gilbertville 

CN Smith Farm, Inc., East Bridgewater 

Coastal Vineyards, South Dartmouth 

Coldbrook Springs Winery & Stevens Farm, Barre 

Common Pastures, LLC dba Colby Farm, Newbury 

Connors Farm, Inc., Danvers 

Cooks Farm Orchard, Brimfield 

Cottage Grove, LLC / dba Sentinel Frm, Belchertown 

Coy Brook Farm, West Brookfield 

Cranberry Pond Farm, Brookfield 

Crow Farm, Inc., Sandwich  

Cucurbit Farm, LLC, Acton 

Cultivating Solutions, LLC dba Winter Moon Roots, Hadley 

D & R Farm, Hampden 

Daniel T Chunglo Jr DBA Chunglo Farm, Hadley 

Dartmouth Orchards, Dartmouth 

Dave's Natural Garden, Granby 

David G. Costa, Rochester 

David Mokrzecki Farm, Hadley 

Davidian Bros. Farm, LLC, Northborough  

Davis Carlson Farm, Ware 

Davis Farms Trust, Bolton 

Deershorn Farm and Taxidermy, LLC, Lancaster 

Derby Ridge Farm, Stow  

Devine Brothers Farm , Hadley 

Devine Farm, Inc., Hadley 

Dew-More Farms, Inc., Townsend 

Dick's Market Garden, Inc., Lunenburg 

DJ's Farm Fresh Produce, Shutesbury 

Doe Orchard, LLC, Harvard 

Drew Farm, Westford 

Dwight Arnold Farms, Inc, Southwick 

Dylan Fil, Hadley 

Earle M Parsons & Sons, Inc., Hadley  

East Village Farm, Amherst 

Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC, Monson 

Elmartin Farm, Cheshire 

Excalibur Farm, Groton 

Fairmount Fruit Farm, LLC, Franklin 

Fairview Farms, Inc., Whatley 

Fairview Orchards, Inc., Groton 

FARMER DAVES, LLC, Dracut 

Farmer Matt, LLC, N. Braintree 

Fay Mountain Farm, Brookfield 

Fini's Farm Produce, Holyoke 

Flat Hill Orchards, LLC, Lunenburg 

Flats Mentor Farm , Lancaster 

Fletcher Farm, Southampton 

Foppema's Farm, LLC, Northbridge 

Four Rex Farm, Inc., Hadley 

Four Town Farm, Inc., Seekonk 

Foxcroft Farm, LLC, Amherst 

Friends of Sholan Farms DBA Sholan Farms, Leominster 

Galenski Farm, South Deerfield 

Garbiel Farm, Montague 

Garcia's Farm, Holyoke 

Gardner farm, Tyngsboro 

Genaro's Farm, Holyoke 

George Hill Orchards, Inc., South Lancaster 

Gidley Farm, North Dartmouth 

Golden Hour Farms, LLC, N Dighton 

Gove farm, Leominster 

Grallert Farm, LLC, Millis 

Grand View Farm, Rowley 

Grannys Place, Agawam 

Grape Island, Inc.  DBA Mill River Winery, Rowley 

Gregory Pipczynski, Sunderland 

Guavate Farm, Holyoke 

Gulf Farms, Cheshire 

Hager Bros. Farm, LLC, Colrain 

Hagers Farm Market LLC, Shelburne 

Haley farm , Williamstown  

Harpers Farm and Garden, LLC, Lancaster 

Hart Farm, LLC, Conway 

Hawk Hill Orchard, Millbury 

Headwater Cider, Inc., Hawley 

Healthy Futures Farm, Westport 

Heavens Harvest Farm , New Braintree 

Hickory Lane Farm, LLC, North Brookfield 

Honey Pot Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

Honey Pot Hill Orchards, Inc., Stow 

Honey Pot Produce Co, Inc., Hadley 

Howes Farm and Garden, LLC, New Braintree 

Hunt Road Berry Farm, Inc., West Brookfield 

Idyllvale Farm, LLC, Littleton 

Indian Head Farm, Inc. dba Cordelia's Farm, Berlin 

Ioka Farm, LLC, Hancock 

Iron Ox Farm, LLC, S Hamilton 

J & J Farms, Amherst 

J&G Farms, LLC, Westfield 

Jaeschke's Orchard, Adams 

Jekanowski Farms, LLC, Hadley 

Joe Czajkowski Farm LLC, Hadley 

John G. Latham Cranberry, Brewster 

Jordan Dairy Farms, Inc., Rutland 

Josh Parker Farms, LLC, Southwick 

Just Roots, Inc., Greenfield 

Kelly's Family Farm, Inc., Upton 

Ken Mushroom, LLC, Leominster 

Kettle Brook Farms, LLC, North Brookfield 

Kielbasa Orchards, LLC, Hadley 

Kimball Fruit Farm, LLC, Pepperell 

Kolakoski Farm Stand, South Deerfield 

Kosinski Farms, Westfield 

La Arecibena Torres Family Farm, Springfield 

La Mela Allegra/The Happy Apple, Lancaster 

Laflamme's Garden Center, Inc., Granby  

Lakeside Organic of Hadley, LLC, Hadley 

Lakeview Orchard, Adams 

Land's Sake Farm , Weston 

Lanni Orchards, Inc., Lunenburg 

Laurenitis Farm, Sunderland 

Lawndale Farm, Tyngsboro 

Lilac Hedge Farm, LLC, Jefferson 

Little Mans Farm, Agawam 

Lone Birch Blossoms, Gilbertville 

Long Hill Orchard, West Newbury 

Long Plain farm, South Deerfield 

Long Run Produce, Medford 

Lookout Farm, LLC, Natick 

Luther Belden, Inc., Hatfield 

M A Wendolowski Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

MacArthur Farm, Holliston 

Manheim Farm , S.Deerfield 

Many Graces, LLC, Amherst 

Maple Acres Farm, West Chesterfield 

Maple Corner Farm, Granville 

Maple Hill Farm Grass-fed Beef, Inc., Hardwick 

Maple Row Farm, Shelburne Falls 

Maple Shade Farm, Inc., Sheffield 

Mapleline Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Marini Farm, LLC, Ipswich 

Marshfield Cranberry Company, Marshfield 

McCray's Farm, South Hadley 

McKinstry Market Garden, Inc., Chicopee 

McLaughlin Tobacco, Southwick 

Meadowbrook Orchards, Inc., Sterling 

Medicine Buddha Gardens and CSA, Great Barrington 

Medway Community Farm, Inc., Medway 

Melnik Farms, LLC, Deerfield 

Mills River Cranberry Co., Marstons Mills  

Mitchell Farm, Amherst 

Miz Pah Farm, Cheshire 

Montgomery Bogs, Lakeville 

Moon In The Pond Farm, Inc., Sheffield 

Morning Dew Farm, Worthington 

Morse Farm, Dudley 

Mountain Orchard, LLC, Granville 

Mountain View Farm, Lanesborough 

Mountain View Farm, LLC, Easthampton  

N. Riley Malinowski Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

Needham Community Farm, Needham 

New England Hay Supply, Cheshire 

NextGen Farm , Chicopee 

Nicewicz Family Farm, Bolton  

Niedbala Farms, LLC, Hadley 

Nihtila Farm, Holbrook 

Noquochoke Orchards, Westport  

North Hadley Sugar Shack, LLC, Hadley 

North of Boston, Boxford 

North Plain Farm, LLC, Great Barrington 

Northern Valley Farms, Inc., Northampton 

Nourse Farm, Westborough 

Ogonowski farm, Dracut 

Old Earth Orchards, LLC, East Taunton 

Old Friends Farm LLC, Amherst 

Orchard Made Products d/b/a Mann Orchards, Methuen 

Orr's Farm, Westport 

Owl Rock Farm, LLC, Harvard 

P & A Petruzzi Farms , East Brookfield 

Paquette American Harvest Farm, Shrewsbury 

Park Hill Orchard, LLC, Easthampton 

Parlee Farms, LLC, Tyngsboro 

Patterson Farm, LLC, Sunderland 

Paty Cranberries, Lakeville 

Pease Orchard, Templeton 

Pepin Farm, Easthampton 

Phoenix Fruit Farm, Belchertown 

Phoenix Organic Farm, Orleans 

Pignatare's Farm, Westfield 

Pine Hill Orchards, Colrain 

Plainville Farm, Hadley 

Pleasant Valley Gardens, Methuen  

Pomeroy Farm, LLC, Westfield 

Poplar Hill Farm, Inc., West Whately 

Porter Family Farm, Ashfield 

Potter Hill Farm, Grafton 

Prairie Orchard , New Braintree 

Quabbin Hill Farms, LLC, Pelham 

Quonquont Farm, LLC, Whately 

R & B Farm, Hadley 

Ragged Hill Orchard, West Brookfield 

Rattleroot Farm, LLC, Princeton 

Red Apple Farm, LLC, Phillipston 

Red Eye, Inc., Middleboro 

Red Fire Farm, Montague 

Red Shirt Farm, LLC, Lanesborough 

Rei's Farm, Chicopee 

Renta Family Farm, Holyoke 

Ridgeview Farm, Williamstown 

Riverdale Farm, Inc., Groton 

Riverland Farm, LLC, Sunderland 

robertson farm, Ashfield 

Rocky Maple Bogs, Carver 

Rocky River Trust, Plympton 

Rodrigues Farm, LLC, Berkley  

Rogers Spring Hill Farm, Inc., Ward  

Rooted Flowers, Agawam 

Rosasharn Farm, Rehoboth 

Ross Cranberry, LLC, Osterville 

Royal Crest Farm, LLC, Spencer 

Russell Orchards, Inc., Ipswich 

Sadlowski Farm, Hadley 

Sadowski Farm (Paul Kelley), Hadley 

Sandman's Wild Blueberries, Granville 

Sandwich Bog Co., West Wareham 

Sauchuk Farm, LLC, Plympton 

Savage Farms Inc., Deerfield 

Schultz Farm, Rutland 

Seaview Farm Boarding Stables LLC dba Seaview Farm, Rockport 

Second Drop Farm, LLC, Lanesborough 

Shattuck Farm, Groton 

Shelburne Farm, Stow 

Shepherd Farm, Inc., Townsend  

Sibling Organic Crops, LLC, Brockton 

Siena Farms, LLC, Sudbury 

Signal Rock Farm, Charlton 

Silverwood Farm, LLC, Sherborn 

Simple Gifts Farm, LLC, Amherst 

Smolak Farms, LLC, North Andover 

Sobieski's River Valley Farm, Leverett 

Spring Brook Farm, Littleton 

SpringDell Farms, LLC, Littleton 

Stasinos Farms, Haverhill 

Steven F Ward, Carver 

Stillman Dairy Farm, Lunenburg 

Stillman Quality Meats, LLC, Hardwick 

Stillmans Greenhouses & Farm, Inc, New Braintree 

Stockbridge Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Stone Soup Farm, Inc., Hadley 

Storozuk Farm, Sunderland 

Stowe Farm, Inc., Millbury 

Sunny Crest Orchards, Sterling 

Sunshine Farm, Inc., Sherborn 

Szawlowski Potato Farms, Inc., Hatfield 

Talus Wood Farm, Lanesborough 

Tangerini's Spring Street Farm, Inc, Millis 

Teddy C Smiarowski III Farm, Sunderland 

Teddy C. Smiarowski Farm, Hatfield 

The Apple Place, LLC, East Longmeadow 

The Benson Place, Heath 

The Farmers Garden, Rehoboth 

The Kitchen Garden, LLC, Sunderland 

The White Farm, Hawley 

Thomas Clegg, Seekonk 

Tiani Gardens, Stoughton 

Tim Tom Cranberry, Inc., North Carver 

Tony Andrews Farm, East Falmouth 

Tougas Family Farm, LLC, Northborough 

Townline Farm, Berkley 

Twenty Acre Farm and Greenhouses, Hadley 

Twin Oaks Farm, Hadley 

Twin Rivers Farm, LLC, Ashley Falls  

Upinngil, Gill 

Valley Spud, LLC, Hadley 

Valley View Farm, LLC, Haydenville 

Walker Farm at Whortleberry Hill, New Braintree 

Walt's Farm, Westport 

Warner Farm,  LLC, Sunderland 

Waugh Farms, New Braintree 

Webster Cranberry, LLC, Norwell  

West Branch Farm , Colrain 

Westward Orchards, Inc., Harvard 

Whistling Meadow Farm, LLC, South Deerfield 

White Moon Farm, Easthampton  

Whitemarz Farm, LLC, Lunenburg 

Whitney's Farm Market, LLC, Cheshire 

Whittier Farms Inc., Sutton 

Wildberry Acres Farm, Brookfield 

Willow Spring Vineyards, LLC, Haverhill 

Wilson Farm, Inc., Lexington 

Windy Hill Farm, Inc., Great Barrington 

Windy Village Cooperative, Sherborn 

Wolf Tree Farm, LLC, Shelburne Falls 

Yokun Seat Inc. dba Bartlett's Orchard Farm Market, Pittsfield 

Zachary Kelley, Belchertown 

Zeiglers Market Garden, Norfolk 

Zgrodnik Tobacco, Hatfield 

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