Grants are being given as part of the MEGA Program
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
The State of Massachusetts is committed to supporting not only the current farmers who provide the community, but also the new farmers pursuing agriculture as a career.
The State is showing its commitment by announcing that nine agricultural projects will share in grants totaling $78,582. The grants are administered through the Department of Agricultural Resources’ Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program and are designed to help new farmers.
“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.”
Recipients participated in a business planning process, and were eligible to receive a grant of up to $10,000 that they match per dollar.
The funds will be used to purchase new equipment and other non-land items necessary to run a successful agribusiness.
Projects receiving funding include grain storage for Hosta Hill, mushroom production equipment for Fungi Ally and a greenhouse for Barrett’s Mill Farm. State officials understand the importance of new equipment to farmers and the impact it can have at a consumer level.
“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.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Massachusetts is home to 7,800 farms spread over 520,000 acres. In 2014, cranberries were the state’s top commodity, producing more than $75 million worth.