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](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 $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 and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Cover Crops

Certified Grassfed

Certified Organic

Reduced Tillage

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. 

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

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19, some registry of deeds offices are not open for the public. If landowners applying to the APR Program are unable to obtain a copy of their property deeds for all of the proposed APR parcels they may provide the information under "Section 4: Registry of Deeds Information" of the APR application on page 3. MDAR staff will download the deed documents online.

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 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.



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.

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

When applications are open you can 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, Suite 500
251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114

Hand-Delivery Address:
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources, Suite 500 
251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114

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.

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. 

Apply online at https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?bidId=BD-21-1002-1003-001-62450&parentUrl=activeBids

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. 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 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.

Native Americans

Farmers Market

Local Food

Socially Disadvantaged

Food Systems

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.

Apply online at https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?bidId=BD-21-1002-1003-001-62450&parentUrl=activeBids

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


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

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.


- Apply through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Hydro Power

Biofuel

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](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-agricultural-preservation-restriction-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)

Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program

Agricultural Produce Safety Improvement Program (APSIP)

Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)

Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP)

Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Program

Massachussetts Agricultural Energy Grant Program (MA-ENER)

Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA)