Press Release

Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares Friday, November 29, 2024, as “Green Friday”

For immediate release:
11/29/2024
  • Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares Friday, November 29, 2024, as “Green Friday”

Phu Mai, Director of Communications

Stow — To kick off the holiday season in Massachusetts and to highlight the state’s Christmas tree growers, Governor Maura Healey declared Friday, November 29, 2024, as “Green Friday.”   Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle, Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi, and state and local officials celebrated the declaration in Stow at Taproot Tree Farm with a presentation of a Governor’s Proclamation followed by a ceremonial Christmas tree cutting.

“Purchasing a locally grown Christmas tree and other plants from a local farm or nursery enhances the overall experience of the holiday season,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Many of these farms and nurseries offer entertaining activities and seasonally delicious treats to make the task of picking out a tree and plants fun for the whole family. On top of all the environmental benefits, buying your Christmas tree and plants from a local grower shows your support for MassGrown products.”

Massachusetts is home to 459 Christmas tree farms, which operate on nearly 3,000 acres of land across the state and contribute more than $4.5 million to the economy every year. These farms provide hundreds of seasonal jobs, and many year-round positions as well.

“Green Friday highlights our vibrant Christmas tree farms and showcases the strength of Massachusetts’ agricultural economy,” said Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi. “This event celebrates the economic impact of our Christmas tree farms and serves as a great reminder to shop locally this holiday season and support our incredible small businesses in our rural communities.”

Christmas tree farms beautify the landscape and help preserve open space across Massachusetts, bringing enormous environmental benefits to the surrounding land. Often sited on soil that cannot support other crops, these farms enhance soil health, which helps prevent erosion and protect water supplies. When finished, trees and other plants can be used as a renewable source of energy to be burned as fuel, used as mulch, or composted.

“I am pleased that Stow is the site of this year’s ceremonial start to the holiday season,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D - Middlesex and Worcester). “Events like this highlight the contributions of Massachusetts farmers, whose dedication supports both the local economy and the environment. Choosing a locally grown Christmas tree is a meaningful way to celebrate the season while supporting sustainable agriculture in our communities.”

"This event is a festive way to showcase a beautiful part of our state -- the district that I call home and am proud to represent,” said State Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan (D – Stow). “I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for calling attention to the wonderful small farms that play an important role in our communities all year round.”

“We’re excited to show off what local Massachusetts tree farms can offer,” said Taproot Tree Farm co-owner Jesse Aspenson. “Not only do we grow our own fir, spruce and pine, but we also make our own wreaths and arrangements with materials gathered from our farm fields.”

To find more information on Massachusetts Christmas tree farms, please visit MDAR’s MassGrown page.

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Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares Friday, November 29, 2024, as “Green Friday”

  • Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources 

    The Department’s mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.
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