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

A request for responses is usually announced in late Winter/early Spring of each year, dependent upon available funding. At that time copies of the Request for Responses with application can be found on the program website at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/apr-improvement-program-aip.

Michael Parker

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 $40,000-$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 $40,000-$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.

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

Grant

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Regenerative

Certification

Carbon Capture

Wildlife Habitats

Soil Health

Cover Crops

Grazing & Grass-Fed

Organic

Strip-Till

No-Till

Facilities

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. 

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 expanded enterprises, increased productivity, marketing, and/or environmental sustainability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $50,000 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 5 or 10 or 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.

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

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Greenhouse

Buildings

Fencing

Construction

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. 

Laura J. Maul

The Agricultural Produce Safety Improvement Program (APSIP) supports produce operations that are looking to improve their on-farm food safety practices that help minimize the risk of microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses. 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.


Practices that help prevent or reduce on-farm food safety risks on produce farms.


Examples include:

- 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



The Agricultural Produce Safety Improvement Program (APSIP) supports produce operations that are looking to improve their on-farm food safety practices that help minimize the risk of microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses. 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.

Practices that help prevent or reduce on-farm food safety risks on produce farms.

Examples include:
- 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

Eligible applicants include 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.

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

Cost Share

Nutrition & Food Safety

Trade Relief

Public Health

Compliance

Disaster Relief

Marketing

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.

Online, mail, and in person application submission criteria are explained on the website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-food-ventures-grant-program.

Rose Arruda

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.



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.

- Request for Response (RFR). This document outlines and explains all details, requirements, and instructions for the Food Ventures program.

Native Americans

Farmers Market

Local Food

Socially Disadvantaged

Food Systems

Application options online, by mail, and in person are available on the website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-urban-agriculture-program.

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


See this document for application details.

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 inactive fields that are out of production at no fault of the current owner. 


Examples of eligible projects include clearing vegetation, pulling rocks or stumps, 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 $25,000 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, pulling rocks or stumps, 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 $25,000 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.

Training

Education

Grant funds of up to $25,000 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

APR Improvement Program (AIP)

Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)

Agricultural Produce Safety Improvement Program (APSIP)

Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP)

Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Program

Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA)