Page 64 - BusinessWest August 7, 2023

Streams of Assistance
Farm Resiliency Fund Established in Wake of Flooding
“We seek to
ensure that this coordinated effort provides immediate relief that works
for farmers and addresses longer- term food-security issues for vulnerable residents of our region.”
MEGAN BURKE
Call it a flood of support at a critical time.
On July 20, the Healey-Driscoll administra-
tion and the United Way of Central Massachusetts
(UWCM) announced the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund, a partnership between philanthropic organizations and private foundations intended to support Western and Central Mass. farms impacted by recent flooding and strengthen farm resiliency in the long term. Officials made the announcement at Mountain View Farm in Easthampton, which had much of its crop destroyed by flooding.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resourc- es estimates at least 75 farms have been hurt by flooding, with about 2,000 acres in crop losses at a minimum value of $15 million. That number will likely climb as more dam- age is assessed and the longer-term impacts set in.
“As the lieutenant governor and I have visited farms across the state, we’ve been deeply moved by the devastat- ing impacts we’ve seen and heartbreaking stories we’ve heard. We’re grateful to our philanthropic and private part- ners for quickly answering the call to action and creating this fund to deliver relief directly to farmers,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “This is about team Massachusetts — where we come together to support farmers and their livelihoods, build resilience for our farms and food supply, strengthen our economy, and create a stronger future for our children and families.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that “Governor Healey and I have heard firsthand from dozens of farmers who are grap- pling with the aftermath of extreme flooding and trying to
figure out how they’re going to make ends meet and keep their farms. We’ve been inspired by their resilience and the pride they take in their businesses, which play an essential role in our state’s food supply and economy. The Massachu- setts Farm Resiliency Fund will be a lifeline for so many dedicated farmers and their families.”
Several nonprofit leaders were quick to commit to sup- porting farmers through the fund.
“In light of the devastating impact of recent floods, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is com- mitted to supporting the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund,” CFWM President and CEO Megan Burke said. “We seek to ensure that this coordinated effort provides immedi- ate relief that works for farmers and addresses longer-term food-security issues for vulnerable residents of our region.”
Philip Korman, executive director of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), added that “this month’s rains and floods, occurring in the middle of the summer harvest, will have a bigger impact on our farms than Hurricane Irene. It has been heartening to see the community rally around our local farmers, the very people who feed our families. The newly created Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund is a powerful example of what can be created when government, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits like CISA work together. The fund will be an essential piece of helping farms recover and will serve as part of the safety net to future climate change events.”
Meanwhile, Mark Gold, director of the Harold Grin- spoon Charitable Foundation, praised the administration
We’ve Got Your Key.
Our team is made up of experienced, reliable, locksmiths who provide anything from high security locks to electronic
locks.
977 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA 732-8538 • www.servulocksmiths.com
64
AUGUST 7, 2023
<< NONPROFITS >> BusinessWest