Massachusetts Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program

As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

AEEP is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds 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. Practices funded include those that prevent direct impacts on water quality, ensure efficient use of water, and address agricultural impacts on air quality or demonstrate other conservation benefits or environmental goals.

Agricultural operations engaged in production agriculture for commercial purposes as identified by Massachusetts General Laws (MGL).

The applicant must own or be a co-responder with the owner of the property.

The property must be in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for at least three (3) years.

There is no acreage requirement. 

Award maximum — "Maximum funding per applicant is 80% of total project costs up to $50,000" for established operations. Early-Stage Farmers (1–3 years in operation) are capped at $10,000. No minimum award is stated.

Match — "Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of a 20% cash-match for the project category being applied for. In-kind services, donations, or other services, or other state grant funds are not eligible as matching funds."

Combined cap across components — CSAP is one combined application spanning several MDAR programs, and "the maximum total funding request per application is $150,000, regardless of the number of project areas submitted" ($30,000 for Early-Stage Farmers). AEEP specifically funds the water-management and water-quality project area: "Funding for water management and water quality projects will be funded under amounts appropriated for AEEP."

Source: FY2027 CSAP Request for Response, RFR File AGR-CSAP-FY27.

The Application is currently closed, but applications will be made through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program Portal.

Check back in early 2022 to learn how to apply.

• Apply through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program