The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced over $1 million in grants to 16 farms across Massachusetts. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), aims to improve and expand farm operations through the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program and the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Improvement Program (AIP).
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper stated, “Massachusetts continues to invest directly in our farms that feed us – through innovative, hands-on programs that give local farmers the tools they need to grow healthy food, stay resilient through extreme weather, and keep their businesses strong.”
This year, the MEGA Program allocated $148,910 to eight beginning farms. These funds come with business planning and technical assistance. Since its launch in 2010, MEGA has awarded over $1 million in total grants.
The AIP awarded $970,000 for infrastructure improvements to eight protected farms. Since 2009, AIP has granted a total of $9,375,140 to 126 APR farms.
MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle said, “We’re pleased that MEGA and AIP awardees have benefited from the valuable business assistance to help make their farms even more successful.”
State Senator Dylan A. Fernandes remarked on the importance of these investments: “Massachusetts farmers feed our communities, protect open space, and drive our local economy.”
State Senator Paul Mark commented on the impact of these awards in Franklin County: “These awards will help our local farms stay competitive and economically successful right here in Massachusetts.”
State Representative Natalie M. Blais expressed pride in supporting local farmers: “I am proud to live in a state that values our farms and is committed to strengthening our local food system.”
State Representative James Arciero thanked the administration for its support: “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for providing grant funding to our local famers across the Commonwealth.”
