State Announces $3.6 Million in Grants to Support Farmers

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program, the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program, the Cranberry Bog Renovation Program, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

These grants, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, provide funding to local farmers. The funding supports farmers in meeting strict food-safety standards, improving soil health and management through composting, sustaining cranberry-growing operations, and adapting to changing climate conditions. It also enhances their contributions to the state’s carbon reduction and climate change mitigation goals.

“Our farmers face countless challenges, so it’s critical that we support them with the resources they need to succeed,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These four programs help ensure a safe, local food supply, grown by dedicated farmers who prioritize sustainability, providing us all with healthy, responsibly produced food.”

State Sen. Jo Comerford added that, “once again, the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, is delivering timely and meaningful grants to farms and farmers in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. Our farmers work tirelessly to provide healthy, local products to residents across Massachusetts and need strategic state investments like these grants to support their work to rise to the challenges of climate change and economic volatility.”