Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off Urban Agriculture Week Celebrations

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has officially proclaimed August 9-15, 2026, as Urban Agriculture Week in Massachusetts. This annual awareness week spotlights the creativity, ingenuity, and expansion of agriculture in cities and urban neighborhoods. Throughout the week, a series of events across the state will take place and highlight the important role that urban agriculture plays in bringing locally grown produce to areas that otherwise might not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

 “Urban Agriculture Week is an opportunity to celebrate the farmers, community organizations and local leaders who are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in cities across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Their work is strengthening local food systems, supporting local economies and making our communities healthier, and we're proud to support them.”

“In Massachusetts, agriculture isn't limited to rural communities—it's thriving in cities and neighborhoods across our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As Mayor of Salem, I saw firsthand how urban farms can expand access to fresh food, bring communities together and transform underused spaces into valuable community assets. These are the kinds of investments that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.”

Established in 2014 – the first state in the country to have one – the Urban Agriculture Grant Program has awarded over $3.8 million to 127 urban agriculture projects. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), these funds support investments in everything from capital infrastructure and equipment to marketing campaigns and commercial food production. The program’s goal is to increase local food production, support small-scale growers, and improve food access in historically underserved communities. 

“Growing more food in our urban areas delivers healthy produce to nourish residents while beautifying blighted spaces,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts remains dedicated to championing city farms that prioritize sustainable methods alongside food production. By supporting these grassroots networks, we ensure our urban spaces are environmentally resilient.”

“The Urban Agriculture Program stands out as one of our most requested grant programs, as urban communities continue to see the need and value in reclaiming underutilized land for food production so that families have easier access to nutritious and freshly grown crops,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Urban farming comes with its own set of unique challenges so we remain invested in ensuring that we can help support community gardens and urban farms across the state.”

The state's thriving urban agricultural sector relies heavily on collaborative public-private partnerships that create dynamic growing solutions for dense environments. Beyond food security, these city farms and gardens offer workforce development for local youth, provide community health education, and breathe new life into forgotten municipal spaces.

Nearly two dozen events will be held this week in cities around the Commonwealth. A complete listing of events can be found on the Urban Agriculture Week Calendar website. MDAR Commissioner Randle will be attending the following events:

Monday, August 10^th

11:00AM – Rooftop Farm Tour of Newmarket Farm at Boston Medical Center in Roxbury at 960 Massachusetts Ave. in Boston 02118

Tuesday, August 11^th

9:00AM – “Behind the Harvest” Event hosted by Green City Growers at 600 Windsor Pl. in Somerville 02143

Thursday, August 13^th

10:00AM – Urban Farmers and Environmental Stewards Convening with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle, a Tour and Roundtable Discussion at Everett Community Growers at 80 Tremont St. in Everett 02149

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