Local Farmer Awards Fuel Farm Improvements Across Western Mass.

AGAWAM — Grants of up to $2,500 have been awarded to 116 farmers in Western Mass. as part of this year’s Local Farmer Awards. These grants, totaling $267,850, which support a variety of farm operations and capital-improvement projects, are funded by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with Big Y, the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, and other community funders. This year, the program celebrates its 11th year with a record number of recipients.

“As the growing season begins, we’re proud to support local farmers by investing directly in them and their success — whether they’re planting crops, tending to dairy and livestock year-round, or producing seasonal favorites like maple syrup,” said Charlie D’Amour, executive chairman of the board at Big Y. “These grants aren’t just about dollars — they’re an investment in our communities and support the stability and growth of our local farms to help ensure that they can continue to feed our communities for generations to come.”

The Local Farmer Awards program helps new and established farms make essential investments — such as irrigation, storage, and equipment upgrades — with farmers also contributing their own resources to strengthen their operations.

Karl Prahl, farmer and owner of Underline Farm in Easthampton, received an award to purchase new grain silos. “This grant means everything to our farm,” he said. “With the rising cost of grain, being able to store feed in bulk will help us keep costs down and keep our meat prices affordable for local families.”

In addition to the four funding partners listed above, other funders include Ann and Steve Davis, Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Robin and Audrey Taylor, Barbara Deslauriers, PeoplesBank, DeNucci Group Merrill, Eastern States Exposition, Andrews, HP Hood, Baystate Health, Three County Fair, Smith College, bankESB, Country Bank, and Franklin First Federal Credit Union.

“With 788 projects supported to date in our region, we’ve seen firsthand how these grants, funded by community businesses and individual philanthropists, help farmers make meaningful improvements that strengthen their businesses,” said Cari Carpenter, director of the Local Farmer Awards. “This year, the program received 207 applications, leaving 91 worthy projects unfunded, clearly illustrating the growing need for support among the region’s farmers. Our local farmers rely on our collective efforts, and we should all consider purchasing fresh, locally grown products when possible.”