Baker-Polito Administration Announces Matching Grants for New Massachusetts Farms

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Matching Grants for New Massachusetts Farms

BOSTON – January 13, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced matching grants totaling $78,582 for 9 projects that will help beginning farmers grow or improve their farm operations through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (DAR) Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program. 

“New farmers bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the agricultural industry, and the MEGA program will help ensure a sustainable future for these farms,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This program helps new farmers help themselves by providing business planning assistance and matching grants for infrastructure improvements, ensuring long-term viability and independence.”

“As demand for locally-grown food increases, these farms are necessary to provide healthy, local produce for Massachusetts citizens,” saidLieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Through this program and others, our administration continues to support Massachusetts’ vibrant agriculture industry, which provides fresh, healthy food for the Commonwealth’s residents.”

These grants will help fund the purchase of equipment and other non-land based assets necessary for financially viable agricultural businesses. Projects include equipment to improve production efficiencies and to extend the production season, as well as infrastructure improvements such as greenhouses and storage facilities. Selected farmers participated in a business planning process, after which they became eligible to receive a grant of up to $10,000 that they match dollar for dollar.

“This grant program not only provides farmers in their critical first to fifth year with vital capital and technical assistance to help ensure their continued success,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Commonwealth is committed to supporting new farmers and their valuable contributions to the state and regional food system.”

“These grants will help fund the purchase of equipment and infrastructure necessary for viable agricultural businesses,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “I congratulate all of this year’s award winners.”  

Selected farms are in the towns of Berlin, Centerville, Concord, East Bridgewater, Essex, Great Barrington, Hadley, Hubbardston, and Upton. 

The following projects have been funded through this year’s grants: 

Farm	Town	Project	Award
Aprilla Farm	Essex	Grain equipment	$5,000
Barrett’s Mill Farm	Concord	Greenhouse	$8,257
Fungi Ally	Hadley	Mushroom production equipment	$10,000
Hollyhock Flowers	Centerville	Farm equipment	$5,325
Hosta Hill	Great Barrington	Grain storage	$10,000
Ladybug Farm Produce	Hubbardston	Hay barn improvements	$10,000
Lilac Hedge Farm	Berlin	Farm equipment	$10,000
Mistletoe Acres Tree Farm	East Bridgewater	Nursery equipment	$10,000
Town Line Dairy Farm	Upton	Fencing and equipment	$10,000

“I was so pleased to see Town Line Dairy Farm in Upton on the list of MEGA Grant recipients for Fiscal Year 2016, as they are such a hardworking, productive resource for our district,” said State Representative David Muradian (R-Grafton). “It is vital for the Commonwealth to support local food producers to ensure that there is a fresh source of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy available to our citizens.”

“Providing local farmers with the tools and resources necessary to succeed is a worthwhile undertaking that is especially important in Central Massachusetts given the size of the agricultural sector,” said State Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury).  “I congratulate the Town Line Dairy Farm in Upton on receiving this funding.  I am confident that this opportunity will assist with enhancing their operations while also benefitting local consumers.”    

The MEGA Program was established in 2011 under the umbrella of the Farm Viability Program. For more information about the MEGA Program, visit here.