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Agricultural Grants and Financial Assistance Programs

MDAR offers various grants and funding programs for agricultural projects. This guide provides an overview of each grant. You can view more information about each program by clicking on the link in the description.

Click on the first "Overview of MDAR Grant Opportunities" heading to find our downloadable, translated booklet of MDAR grant opportunities, and other programs. In this section, you can also access a youtube video with tips on applying to MDAR grants.

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Overview of MDAR Grant Opportunities

Agricultural land preservation, environmental conservation, energy efficiency and business planning are some of the keys to the future viability of agricultural enterprises. The Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance (DACTA) promotes agricultural land preservation, environmental stewardship, technology, and technical assistance to meet the challenges of 21st century farming. Funding programs cover a wide variety of needs within the agricultural and food system to help farmers address challenges from economic viability to climate resilience while strengthening our overall food system. Examples of some of the funding programs are highlighted in this story map.

You can learn more about MDAR grant opportunities, and other programs, in the translated booklet you'll find below in the "Additional Resources" section. For a paper copy, please email Olivia.Palmer@Mass.gov. In addition, you can watch the video linked below for general tips on how to apply for grants. 

Key Actions   for Overview of MDAR Grant Opportunities

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Grants Story Map  Tips for Applying for Grants 

Additional Resources   for Overview of MDAR Grant Opportunities

Open PDF file, 15.5 MB,  MDAR Overview of Programs and Services Booklet (English, PDF 15.5 MB)

Food Safety, Environmental, and Energy Grant Programs

Now Accepting Applications!

Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP)

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program links MDAR's water, energy and climate grants together into one application. This includes the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP), and the Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER). By bringing these three grants under one program, MDAR is seeking to simplify the application process for applicants. This program continues the goals of the three individual grants by implementing projects that help the agricultural sector adapt to climate change, mitigate climate change, reducing or preventing impacts to natural resources that may result from agricultural practices, and that improve energy efficiency and facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies.

For more information, visit the CSAP Program webpage. 

This program is now accepting applications. 
Applications are due by 4:00pm on Friday, May 31st, 2024. 

Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program

This grant program is for the implementation of projects that help the agricultural sector adapt to climate change, mitigate climate change, improve economic resiliency, and advance general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. 

For more information, visit the ACRE Program webpage. 

*Please see the Climate Smart Agriculture Program to apply to this program. 

Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP)

This grant program is for the implementation of agricultural conservation practices that reduce or prevent negative impacts to the Commonwealth's natural resources that may result from agricultural practices, while maintaining sustainability and productivity of the agricultural operation.

For more information, visit the AEEP Program webpage. 

*Please see the Climate Smart Agriculture Program to apply to this program. 

Agricultural Energy Grant Program

This grant program is for the implementation of agricultural projects that improve energy efficiency and facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies.

For more information, visit the ENER Program webpage. 

*Please see the Climate Smart Agriculture Program to apply to this program. 

Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP)

This grant program is for the implementation of practices that prevent or reduce food safety risks for produce or aquaculture operations, meet regulatory requirements, and improve market access. 

This program is now accepting applications. 
Applications are due by 4:00pm on Friday, May 24th, 2024. 

For more information, visit the AFSIP webpage. 

Farm Financial Assistance Programs

Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit Program

Cranberry bogs require periodic upkeep and renovation. Most bogs are built to allow for flooding at harvest, which can require substantial amounts of water if the bog is not level. In addition, bog renovation provides an opportunity to install a new tile drainage system, irrigation pipes, pumps, monitoring equipment and more.  Renovating existing bogs or restoring old bogs that have been out of service can be costly. Recognizing the economic challenges facing cranberry growers who do want to renovate their bogs to increase yield, reduce energy cost and improve water efficiency, all of which is better for the Massachusetts economy and environment, the legislature recently established a new tax credit program to offset 25% of the cost of renovating cranberry bogs in Massachusetts, up to a $100,000 credit.

For more information, please visit the Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit Program webpage.

Dairy Farmer Tax Credit Program

This grant program offers registered Massachusetts dairy farms a state income tax credit. This credit is based on production for any month in which the farm price of milk falls below a trigger price. This program was created to offset the cyclical downturns in milk prices paid to dairy farms.

For more information, visit the Dairy Farmer Tax Credit Program webpage. 

Farm Energy Discount Program

This program provides discounts on electricity and natural gas bills. Discounts are 10% to eligible entities engaged in production agriculture. Certification by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is required. MDAR must approve eligible persons or corporations.

For more information, visit the FEDP webpage. 

GAP/GHP Reimbursement 

This program funds research projects that address challenges and opportunities in marketing, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products.

Any grower located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that applies must complete the USDA GAP/GHP or Harmonized audit.

Eligible parties may apply for reimbursement to cover the cost of the audit if they are successful.

Reimbursements will not be given for costs associated with a failed audit.

Contact Howie Vinton for more information: Howard.Vinton@state.ma.us, 617-626-1803.

Organic Cost Share

MDAR works with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to reimburse certified organic farmers and food processors up to 75% ($750 dollars maximum) of the total certification cost.

Farms and food companies must be inspected and certified to receive funds. Parties receiving renewal of certification may be eligible.

For more information, visit the Organic Cost Share Program webpage. 

Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Retrofit Program  

7 out of 10 farms are out of business within five years of a fatal tractor rollover. It makes sense to protect yourself, your family and your business. Rollover protective structures (ROPS) are 99% effective in preventing rollover deaths and injuries.

This grant program will rebate 70% of the cost of purchasing and installing the ROPS (up to $865 maximum rebate). Rebate funds are good towards the price of the ROPS kit, shipping charges, tax, professional installation costs, and a sun canopy. You can buy and install the ROPS kit (rollbar and seatbelt) as well as any of the previous items. Details here (.pdf)

Farm Improvement Grants

Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)

FVEP provides business planning and technical assistance to help established farms identify strategies to increase farm viability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $100,000 - $200,000 to implement strategies identified in the planning process in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm property for a 10 or 15-year term. Details here. 

This grant program is no longer accepting applications. 
Applications were due by 4pm on April 18, 2024.

APR Improvement Program (AIP)

This grant program provides business and technical assistance to farms with land that has already been protected through MDAR's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program.  Grant funds of $90,000 - $150,000 may be available on a reimbursement basis with a required 10% match by participants for capital infrastructure improvements on the farm identified through the planning process. Details here.

This grant program is no longer accepting applications. 
Applications were due by 4pm on April 18, 2024.

Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA)

This grant program funds projects to restore farmland for agricultural use on agricultural preservation restriction (APR) farms. Funding of up to $35,000, with a 15% match, may be available on a cost reimbursement basis for approved projects. Details here.

This grant program is no longer accepting applications. 
Applications were due by 2pm on April 18, 2024.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant (RFSI)

This grant program funds projects that build resilience across the middle-of-the-food-supply-chain. To assist and build resilience in the middle-of-the-supply-chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for their state’s producers. USDA has awarded states funding, and states are to make sub-awards in the form of Infrastructure Grants and Simplified Equipment-Only Grants to middle-of-the-supply businesses to create more diverse local and regional market options and create more economic opportunities for communities, allowing them to retain more of the value chain dollar. RFSI investments aim to create a food systems infrastructure to support competitive and profitable market access for domestic farm products. Details here. 

This grant program is no longer accepting applications. 
Applications were due by 4pm on March 29, 2024
 

Grants for New Farms

Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture Program (MEGA)

This grant program assists beginner farmers who are between 1 and 10 years in business by providing technical assistance and business planning. Grant funds of up to $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 may be available with a 1:1 match to assist farmers whose goal is to raise agricultural products and who are developing their farms into commercially viable operations. For more information, visit the MEGA webpage.

This grant program is no longer accepting applications. 
Applications were due by 4pm on April 18, 2024.

 

Grants to Improve Food Access

Massachusetts Food Trust Program

This grant program funds projects that increase access to healthy, affordable food options, sourcing Massachusetts grown, caught or harvested healthy food and to improve economic opportunities for nutritionally underserved communities in urban, rural and suburban localities.

Application period is currently closed. Complete Program details here.

Massachusetts Food Ventures Program

This grant program funds projects that support food ventures in low or moderate income communities. This includes Gateway Cities and rural communities. Participants selected by the program will be reimbursed up to $500,000, and the minimum award is $100,000.

Application period is now open. Application deadline is 4:00 pm on May 6, 2024. Complete Program details here.

Urban Agriculture Program

This grant program advances agricultural goals and objectives of Massachusetts. The program funds infrastructure needs, innovative food production, zoning ordinances, technical assistance, land acquisition, and youth leadership development.

Application period is now open. Application deadline is 4:00 pm on May 6, 2024.  Complete Program details here.

Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program

The FSIG Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Participants selected for funding are provided with reimbursement grants up to $500,000.

Application period is now open. Application deadline is 4:00 pm on May 2, 2024. 
For more information, visit the FSIG Program webpage. 

Marketing and Promotion Grants

Buy Local Grant Program

This grant program strengthens the marketing potential of agricultural businesses and products. It is a campaign across Massachusetts.

For more information, visit the Buy Local program webpage. 

Dairy Promotion Board Grant

The Board works with the MDAR to seek proposals for projects that advance Massachusetts dairy products. This includes the image, sales, and demand for dairy.

For more information, visit the Dairy Promotion Board Grant webpage. 

Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)

This program funds research projects that address challenges and opportunities in the sale of agricultural products. This includes marketing, transportation, and distribution.

For more information, visit the FSMIP webpage. 

Specialty Crop Block Grant

This program awards projects that increase sales of specialty crops. MDAR's review panel prepares the initial review and award recommendations to the USDA. The USDA is the funding entity and has the final approval of all projects.

For more information, visit the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program webpage.

Agriculture Preservation Restriction (APR) Program

This program protects productive farmland by purchasing deed restrictions. This makes land more affordable to farmers, which revitalizes the agricultural industry.

The program works to bolster the state’s $550,000,000 agricultural industry by keeping farms in active commercial use. We signal to the industry that we support our farmers and encourage a strong and viable agricultural economy.

For more information, visit the APR Program Objectives & Benefits page.

 

Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP)

This grant program funds projects and equipment to facilitate composting best management practices, use of compost for agricultural purposes, and enhance overall management of agricultural composting operations. Reimbursement grants up to $75,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis.

For more information and an application, visit the Agricultural Composting Improvement Grant Program website.

This Program is not currently accepting applications. 

Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program

Funding to implement cranberry bog renovations that promote more efficient bogs both in design and production while enhancing the business and environmental sustainability of the cranberry operation.

This program is now accepting applications. 
Applications are due by 4:00pm on Friday, May 24th, 2024. 

For more information visit the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program webpage. 

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