Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)

If you are interested in applying to sell an APR on your farm land, please complete the following steps:
- Make an appointment to visit your county USDA-NRCS office to review maps of your property and request a copy of an APR Soils Packet. It is important that the entire farm property is outlined as well as the land which will be included in the application, if different. Existing houses, commercial non-agricultural structures and areas that you know for certain will be used for personal/non-agricultural use in the future (ex. House lots for children) must be excluded from APR consideration. However, commercial agricultural structures may be included at the owner’s option. If you are uncertain about possible exclusions, please ask NRCS to map the entire farm and be prepared to discuss exclusion scenarios with your APR Field Representative during the site visit (further explained below).
- Download and complete the APR Application - Word | PDF, sign (all owners of record) and mail it along with the NRCS APR Soils Packet to:
Ron Hall, APR Program
Mass Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114

If you have any questions, please contact your APR Field Representative listed below:
Ron Hall – Hampshire County
413-726-2002
ronald.hall@mass.gov
Barbara Hopson – Berkshire and Hampden Counties
413-726-2003
barbara.hopson@mass.gov
Michele Padula – Worcester and Franklin Counties
617-626-1758
michele.padula@mass.gov
Ashley Davies - Eastern Mass.
617-645-6772
Ashley.Davies@mass.gov

Ron Hall

It is essential to keep the agricultural industry in&#x2004;Massachusetts thriving. The APR Program helps to preserve agricultural land to keep valuable farmland soil from being built on by development companies for non-agricultural purposes that could be detrimental to the environment. The program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farms in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which prevents any use of the property that will negatively impact its future agricultural viability.

It is a voluntary program for farmers who are faced with a decision regarding the future use of their farms. The main objective of the APR program is to protect productive farmland with the deed restrictions and revitalize the agricultural industry by making land more affordable to farmers and their operations more financially secure. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, but applications submitted before the current deadline will be considered a priority for the next funding cycle.



It is essential to keep the agricultural industry in Massachusetts thriving. The APR Program helps to preserve agricultural land to keep valuable farmland soil from being built on by development companies for non-agricultural purposes that could be detrimental to the environment. The program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farms in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which prevents any use of the property that will negatively impact its future agricultural viability.
It is a voluntary program for farmers who are faced with a decision regarding the future use of their farms. The main objective of the APR program is to protect productive farmland with the deed restrictions and revitalize the agricultural industry by making land more affordable to farmers and their operations more financially secure. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, but applications submitted before the current deadline will be considered a priority for the next funding cycle.

Landowners with at least five acres of land with suitable soils in agricultural production for the last two years.
Primary Requirements:
1. Farm must be at least five (5) acres in size.
2. Land has to have been actively devoted to agriculture for the two (2) immediately preceding tax years.
3. Farm must produce at least $500 in gross sales per year for the first five acres plus $5 for each additional acre or 50 cents per each additional acre of woodland and/or wetland.
Other criteria considered:
1. Suitability and productivity of land for agricultural use based on soil classification, physical features, and location
2. The degree of threat to the continuation of agriculture on the land due to circumstances such as owner's health, retirement, financial positions, development pressure, or insecurity due to rental agreements
3. The size or composition of the land that determines if it is economically viable for agricultural purposes, and the likelihood that it will remain in agriculture in the future

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

- APR Program Objectives and Benefits
- APR Application Instructions
- APR Improvement Program (AIP)
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Model Right to Farm By-Law
- Agricultural Commissions

Transition

Legal & Finance

The program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Projects are evaluated on a quarterly basis and are advance subject to available funding.

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.	

Gerry Palano

**As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the [Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-csap).**


The Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds materials and labor for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improves economic resiliency and advances the general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. 

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) invites responses from Massachusetts farmers who raise&#x2004;and sell agricultural products who wish to participate in the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program. ACRE provides reimbursement funds to agricultural operations for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improve economic resiliency and advance general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. Innovative proposals are sought for practices that protect the environment, ensure food safety, improve soil health, protect water resources, increase energy efficiency and/or promote renewable energy.  




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

The Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds materials and labor for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improves economic resiliency and advances the general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. 
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) invites responses from Massachusetts farmers who raise and sell agricultural products who wish to participate in the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program. ACRE provides reimbursement funds to agricultural operations for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improve economic resiliency and advance general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. Innovative proposals are sought for practices that protect the environment, ensure food safety, improve soil health, protect water resources, increase energy efficiency and/or promote renewable energy.  


Agricultural operations engaged in production agriculture for commercial purposes as defined in Massachusetts law M.G.L c. 128, Sec. 1A.
Responder must own, or be a Co-Responder with the owner of the agricultural operation, who has a legal interest in the land whether by deed or written agreement and approval to implement the project on the land, which must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Responder for at least the three (3) previous years.
Produce operations applying for post-harvest practice upgrades must have an average annual value of produce sold during the previous three-year period of $25,000 or more. Sales must be for produce covered under the Produce Safety Rule (PSR).


A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Apply through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program

Farmers Market

Reduced Tillage

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Food Systems

Public Health

Compliance

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Water Management

The ACRE Program is broken into two project categories:
Adaptation & Mitigation Projects 
Projects that help the agricultural sector reduce vulnerability to expected climate change (adaptation), mitigate climate change (mitigation), and improve economic resiliency. This includes projects that improve soil management, improve water use efficiency and availability, and/or promote efforts to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions or to enhance greenhouse gas sequestration including produce post-harvest practice upgrades.

Agricultural Energy Projects
Projects that improve energy efficiency or facilitate clean energy adoption. 

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.	

**As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the [Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-csap).**


The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) is a competitive grant program that funds agricultural energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms. The goal of the program is that farms can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies.



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

The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) is a competitive grant program that funds agricultural energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms. The goal of the program is that farms can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies.

Applicant must be an agricultural operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, Section1A that is principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture or farming for commercial purposes and:
- To be eligible for participation in the Program, an Applicant must own, or be a Co-Responder with the owner of the agricultural operation, who has a legal interest in the land whether by deed or written agreement and approval to implement the project on the property, which must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Responder for at least the three (3) previous years. This three (3) year management requirement may be waived if the operator has substantial direct management experience in farming;
- Are legally recognized entities within the Commonwealth and have the ability to enter a legally binding agreement with the Commonwealth;
- Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding;
- Priority will be given to applicants who are established in commercial agriculture and whose primary source of income is derived from the agricultural operation and that do not anticipate any change of ownership in the next five years;
- Have demonstrated the capacity to implement and administer projects and programs as defined in the responsive proposals to this RFR; and
- Additionally, eligible farm stands shall comply with M.G.L. c. 40A, Setion. 3 and demonstrate that the purpose of the farm stand shall be to sell agricultural products, a majority of which are produced by the applicant’s agricultural operation.


Marketing

Laura J. Maul

**As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the [Massachusetts Climate Smart&#x2004;Agriculture Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-csap).**


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.



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. 

Air Quality

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

The AFSIP application starts on page 14 of the RFR (Below).
Submit your completed application package by email, regular mail or in person:

Email: 
laura.maul@mass.gov

Mailing Address:
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

Hand-Delivery Address:
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) supports produce and aquaculture operations that are looking to improve their food safety practices that work towards minimizing the risks of microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses while increasing market access. In addition, by implementing these practices the goals of the Program is to meet regulatory requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and to increase competitive market access by meeting buyer demands for demonstrated practices that work towards protecting public health and food safety.



Eligible Applicants
- Produce operations that grow, harvest, pack, or hold produce as defined by 21 C.F.R. § 112 and that are principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture or farming for commercial purposes under M.G.L. c. 128, Section 1A.
- Aquaculture farmers as defined by M.G.L. c.128, Section 1A, currently licensed, who raise a marine or aquatic species intended for human food.
Eligible Projects
Practices that help prevent or reduce on-farm food safety risks on produce or aquaculture farms.
Produce Examples: 
- Water systems, delivery, treatment devices, processing and washing equipment
- Portable restrooms and/or hand washing sinks (mobile or stationary)
- Harvest & storage equipment (bins, totes, bin storage, racks)
- Packing shed walls, ceilings, and light fixtures
- Drainage systems for coolers and washing & packing areas
- Wildlife fencing; Pest deterrent
- Refrigeration/Cooling Equipment
- Pesticide storage
Aquaculture Examples: 
- Ice Machines
- Insulated Containers
- Walk-in refrigeration units
- Processing equipment 
- Facility Upgrades
- Refrigerated vehicle 



A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) - Request for Response (RFR)

Nutrition & Food Safety

Trade Relief

Infrastructure

Disaster Relief

Emergency

- Maximum funding per applicant is 80% of total project costs up to $40,000.
- A minimum cash match of 20% of the total project costs is required.

To apply, Applicants must assemble the following documents
- A completed Attachment A: Application Response Form that is signed by all applicants and all landowners (Available in the Request for Proposals) 
- An aerial photograph or map with the farm property outlined. Please note areas that are restricted by the APR and any area that is excluded from the APR. Aerial photos are available online or can be prepared by your USDA-NRCS field office with advance notice. If the Applicant has an up-to-date NRCS Farm Conservation Plan, the Applicant may submit copies of maps or aerial photos from the Plan. 

Submit these documents online as attachments to Diego.Irizarry-Gerould@mass.gov with subject: "AIP APPLICATION"
OR 
Mail or hand deliver hard copies to the following address: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources 
Attn: APR Improvement Program 
138 Memorial Ave, Suite 42 
West Springfield, MA 01089

Diego Irizarry-Gerould

AIP provides business planning and technical assistance to commercial farms with land that has&#x2004;already been protected through [MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-agricultural-preservation-restriction-program).


The program assists with issues of financial viability, resource conservation, family succession, modernization of infrastructure and other issues that may enhance the long term continued use of the agricultural resource. Grant funds of $60,000-$120,000 may be available on a cost reimbursement basis, with a 25% required match, for capital infrastructure improvements on the farm identified through the planning process including resource improvements, new or improved agricultural buildings including barns, livestock housing, farm stands or processing facilities.



AIP provides business planning and technical assistance to commercial farms with land that has already been protected through MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program.

The program assists with issues of financial viability, resource conservation, family succession, modernization of infrastructure and other issues that may enhance the long term continued use of the agricultural resource. Grant funds of $60,000-$120,000 may be available on a cost reimbursement basis, with a 25% required match, for capital infrastructure improvements on the farm identified through the planning process including resource improvements, new or improved agricultural buildings including barns, livestock housing, farm stands or processing facilities.

- Eligible respondents must be operators of farmland that has been protected through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program for at least 5 years and have been actively farming this APR property for at least the past 3 years. 
- Eligible farms must be private for profit operations with Gross farm income of at least $10,000, as shown on Schedule F or Form 1120, or other relevant tax statements from the most recent tax year. 
- Eligibility requirements may vary from year to year and can be found during open application periods in the Request for Responses for the APR Improvement Program at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/apr-improvement-program-aip.

- Request for Proposals (2022)
- AIP Frequently Asked Questions

If selected for Phase I of the program, farmers must agree to participate in a business planning process intended to help them increase the economic viability of their farm. Participants receive assistance to develop a business plan including financial projections. Additional technical assistance may also be available. This process usually takes about 5 months. Upon approval of a completed plan by the program coordinator, the farm may be eligible to move to Phase II of the Program to receive a grant for eligible capital projects identified in the plan intended to increase farm viability. 

To apply, read the RFR carefully and then return your application by email, in person, or by physical mail.

Email
laura.maul@mass.gov

Mailing Address
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

Hand-Delivery Address
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (“CSAP”) combines MDAR’s water, energy, and climate grants into one application. The three grant programs combined in this application are the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (“ACRE”) Grant, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program Grant (“AEEP”) and the Ag-Energy Program Grant (“ENER”) . By bringing the three grants under one program, MDAR seeks to simplify the application process.

The first round of funding combines the applications for ACRE and AEEP into Part I: Environmental Projects. This section will provide financial incentives to&#x2004;allow agricultural operations to proactively address risks and strengthen their economic and environmental resiliency. 

Applications for ENER, previously under the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, are in Part II: Energy Efficiency & Renewable Projects. Projects include energy efficiency projects and renewable energy projects that help farms become more sustainable and resilient while also working towards the interim goals of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“CECP”) for 2030 and long term goals of the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP) .



The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (“CSAP”) combines MDAR’s water, energy, and climate grants into one application. The three grant programs combined in this application are the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (“ACRE”) Grant, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program Grant (“AEEP”) and the Ag-Energy Program Grant (“ENER”) . By bringing the three grants under one program, MDAR seeks to simplify the application process.
The first round of funding combines the applications for ACRE and AEEP into Part I: Environmental Projects. This section will provide financial incentives to allow agricultural operations to proactively address risks and strengthen their economic and environmental resiliency. 
Applications for ENER, previously under the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, are in Part II: Energy Efficiency & Renewable Projects. Projects include energy efficiency projects and renewable energy projects that help farms become more sustainable and resilient while also working towards the interim goals of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“CECP”) for 2030 and long term goals of the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP) .

- Applicant must be an agricultural operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A that is principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture;
- Property must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Applicant for at least the three (3) previous years to the date of the application.

- FY2024 Climate Smart for Agriculture (CSAP) - Request for Response (RFR)

To apply, applicants must submit a completed Attachment A Application Response Form signed by Applicants and landowners with the below required attachments:
- Aerial photograph or map with your farm property outlined. (You may obtain copies of maps or aerial photos online, from an up-to-date NRCS conservation plan or contact your USDA-NRCS field office to request a map with advance notice.) 
- NRCS Farm Conservation Plan or Co-operator’s Agreement (requirement for cranberry farmers only)
- Completed Attachment A-1 addendum (requirement for prior FVEP grant recipients only).
- If an Applicant does not own the land they farm, a signed copy of an executed lease must be submitted along with the application that allows permission for the applicant to farm the land at least through June of 2023 and allows any proposed infrastructure to be constructed and used on the property. All applicants, including landowners, must sign this application.

All required attachments and full application information can be found in the current Request For Proposals.

Then submit the completed package by either Emailing as attachment(s) to Jill.Ward@mass.gov with subject: "FVEP APPLICATION"
OR
Mailing hard copies to the following address: 
Farm Viability Enhancement Program 
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources 
138 Memorial Ave, Suite 42 
West Springfield, MA 01089

Melissa L. Adams

The Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) provides business planning and technical assistance to help established farms identify strategies to increase farm viability such as, new or&#x2004;expanded enterprises, increased productivity, marketing, and/or environmental sustainability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $75,000 to $150,000 to implement strategies identified during the planning process in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm property to keep it in agricultural use for a 10 to 15-year term. Eligible uses of funds are capital projects on the farm such as building or repairing barns, farmstands or other agricultural buildings, modernizing equipment, or improving food processing capacity.



The Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) provides business planning and technical assistance to help established farms identify strategies to increase farm viability such as, new or expanded enterprises, increased productivity, marketing, and/or environmental sustainability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $75,000 to $150,000 to implement strategies identified during the planning process in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm property to keep it in agricultural use for a 10 to 15-year term. Eligible uses of funds are capital projects on the farm such as building or repairing barns, farmstands or other agricultural buildings, modernizing equipment, or improving food processing capacity.

- Farm operations must have been in active use by the current operator for at least the three previous years and have generated at least $10,000 in gross farm income, as shown on Schedule F or Form 1120, or other relevant tax statements from the most recent tax year to be eligible to apply. 
- Farms must own at least 5 acres of land currently in active agricultural production. 
- Farms must intend to keep their land in continued agricultural use and the property to be put under covenant through the program must be unencumbered by any other restrictions on the deed.

- 2022 Request for Proposals
- FAQs
- Request for Written Approval form for prior FVEP participants

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

Irrigation

Storage

Equipment

The covenant is a deed restriction prohibiting any uses on the farm except agricultural uses. The covenant is recorded at the registry of deeds and prohibits activities detrimental to the agricultural use of the land for a specific term, either five, ten, or fifteen years. Rights retained by landowners include the right to privacy and to carry out regular agricultural practices, to maintain the farm in its present condition, and to construct or place temporary structures for agricultural uses. Prohibited uses include construction or placement of non-agriculturally related temporary or permanent structures, and non-agricultural uses on the land. Prior written approval may be requested for certain agricultural structures or uses that do not derogate from the intent of the covenant.

If selected for Phase I of the program, farmers must agree to participate in a business planning process intended to help them increase the economic viability of their farm. Participants receive assistance to develop a business plan or business plan update including financial projections. Additional technical assistance may also be available. This process usually takes about 5 or 6 months. Upon approval of a completed plan by the Department, the farm may be eligible to move to Phase II of the program to receive a grant for eligible capital projects identified in the plan intended to increase farm viability in return for placing land under a short-term a covenant to keep it in agricultural use. 

Apply online at this portal.

Or mail you application materials to:
Rose Arruda
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114

If you apply by mail, make sure that you have a complete application as described in the RFR (found here). In addition, do not use staple pages, use only paper clips or binder clips. Allow ample time for shipping. Submissions must be RECEIVED by the deadline. MDAR is not responsible for any shipping company delays, or building access.

Rose Arruda

Keri Cornman

The overall goal of the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or&#x2004;near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food.


The following are _examples_ of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects

- Food Processing Infrastructure - Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households.

- Non Retail: Food Commissaries - Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities.

- Food Co-Ops - Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or greater access to affordable, fresh food.

- Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets - Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities.

- Food Hubs - Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities.

- Commercial Markets - Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas.

- Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets - To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities.



The overall goal of the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food.

The following are examples of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects
- Food Processing Infrastructure - Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households.
- Non Retail: Food Commissaries - Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities.
- Food Co-Ops - Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or greater access to affordable, fresh food.
- Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets - Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities.
- Food Hubs - Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities.
- Commercial Markets - Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas.
- Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets - To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities.

Who May Apply?
- Massachusetts Municipalities
- Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit organizations
- Individual Residents of Massachusetts

Examples of ineligible project areas:
- Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work.
- Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment.
- Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.

- Application Portal and Request for Responses

Native Americans

Local Food

Socially Disadvantaged

Historically Underserved

Examples of ineligible project areas:
- Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work.
- Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment.
- Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.

Read the Request for Responses on the COMMBUYS portal.

Submit your completed application by email to Rose.Arruda@mass.gov

Or mail you application materials to:
Rose Arruda
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114

If you apply by mail, make sure that you have a complete application as described in the RFR. Submissions must not exceed six (6) double-sided pages (exclusive of attachments). The bidder shall submit one (1) signed original and four (4) copies of the proposal, as well as an electric copy.

The purpose of the MDAR Urban Agriculture Program is to advance Commonwealth goals and objectives, leverage collective resources, and support commercial projects designed to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth. Expenditures will promote strategies to address food insecurity and to increase access of fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-moderate income residents.



Who May Apply?
- Municipalities
- Nonprofit Organizations 501(c)(3)
- Public or non-profit educational or public health institutions
- Established urban farmer with more than three (3) years of commercial urban farming experience


1. Read the RFR throughly, complete the Application and the required attachments. 
2. Send the full package either by email or mail to the addresses below:

Email to: Julie.Weiss@mass.gov or 

Mail or Hand Deliver hard copy to: 
Julie Weiss SARA Program Coordinator 
Department of Agricultural Resources, Suite 500 
251 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114

If sending a hard copy, print only single sided and please do not staple or put the application in a binder.

Julie Weiss

The Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) helps resolve stewardship issues caused by a prior owner to restore active commercial farming on land that has already been protected through the Department’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. Funds may be used for materials and contracted labor or equipment rental costs to clear or reclaim&#x2004;inactive fields that are out of production at no fault of the current owner. 

Examples of eligible projects include clearing vegetation, stabilizing soil loss, correcting drainage issues, cutting back grown in field edges, or reseeding or applying soil or crop amendments to inactive cropland or pastureland in order to bring it back into production. Grant funds of up to $35,000 are available on a cost reimbursement basis with a 15% match of total project costs required by the farm participant.



The Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) helps resolve stewardship issues caused by a prior owner to restore active commercial farming on land that has already been protected through the Department’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. Funds may be used for materials and contracted labor or equipment rental costs to clear or reclaim inactive fields that are out of production at no fault of the current owner. 
Examples of eligible projects include clearing vegetation, stabilizing soil loss, correcting drainage issues, cutting back grown in field edges, or reseeding or applying soil or crop amendments to inactive cropland or pastureland in order to bring it back into production. Grant funds of up to $35,000 are available on a cost reimbursement basis with a 15% match of total project costs required by the farm participant.

- Applicant must own, or co-apply with the owner of land that was protected through the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program for at least three (3) years;
- Applicant must not have been the original owner of the property when the land was placed under the APR unless the proposed restoration is in response to damage caused by a natural disaster (i.e. storm);
- The need for restoration must not have been caused by the current owner or responders inaction or lack of stewardship/maintenance.

- SARA - Frequently Asked Questions 
- Request for Response Application – AGR SARA 2024

Training

Education

Grant funds of up to $35,000 are available on a cost reimbursement basis with a 15% match of total project costs required by the farm participant.

List of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Funding Opportunities