Current Funding Opportunities
APRIL
MDAR Specialty Crop Block Grant Program | Deadline: April 3rd
Goals: The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Specialty Crop industries in Massachusetts.
Eligibility Factors: Farmers, ranchers, eligible non-profit organizations, local government entities, for-profit organizations, industry trade organizations, producer groups, and commodity commissions may apply. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.
Funding Limitations: MDAR intends to fund approximately $320,000 in projects. All funding is subject to appropriation. The suggested dollar value of projects is between $40,000 and $90,000 per project. The SCBGP does not have a Federal cost-sharing or matching requirement.
Anticipated Timeline: The grant period may begin on October 1, 2026 or later.
MDAR Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) | Deadline: April 14th
Goals: The program provides one on one business planning assistance and technical assistance in areas of need such as family succession, marketing, or financial tracking to help increase farm viability. Participants are offered grant funds for farm improvement projects in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm. Eligible uses of funds include farm capital projects such as building or renovating barns, farmstands, wash pack facilities, farm equipment, or improving resources such as wells or fencing.
Eligibility Factors: Massachusetts farm business owners who own (or co-apply with owner) 5+ acres of land currently in agricultural use for commercial purposes. The farm must have been operated as a commercial agricultural business by the applicant for at least the previous three (3) years and the farm business must have generated a minimum gross farm income of $40,000 in 2025.
Funding Limitations: Depending on available funding, selected participants who advance to Phase II may receive a grant award of up to $90,000, $130,000 or $175,000, subject to MDAR approval of FVEP Plan and award amount.
Anticipated Timeline: Phase I contracts to begin in September 2026 with end date June 30, 2027. Phase II project contracts to begin around April 2027, with end date June 30, 2028.
MDAR APR Improvement Program (AIP) | Deadline: April 14th
Goals: AIP provides business planning, technical assistance, and grants to commercial farms with land that has already been protected through MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program to help sustain active commercial farming on the land. Grant funds may be available on a cost reimbursement basis, with a 10% match, for capital infrastructure improvements on the farm identified through the AIP planning process.
Eligibility Factors: Massachusetts farmers who have been actively operating a commercial agricultural operation for at least the three (3) previous years on one or more APR properties that they own and were protected through MDAR’s APR program funding and recorded on or before December 31, 2022, and meet all Program eligibility requirements.
Funding Limitations: Depending on available funding, selected participants who advance to Phase II may receive a grant award of up to $80,000, $125,000, or $150,000, subject to Department approval.
Anticipated Timeline: Phase I contracts for business planning and technical assistance anticipated to begin in September 2026. Phase II project contracts anticipated to begin in April 2027 and end June 30, 2028.
MDAR Matching Enterprise Grant for Agriculture (MEGA) | Deadline: April 14th
Goals: The Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) program assists beginning farms who are between 1 and 10 years in business by providing technical assistance (including a mentorship option) and business planning assistance. Grant funds may be available on a 1:1 matching cost reimbursement basis to assist farmers whose goal is to raise agricultural products and who are developing their farms into commercially viable operations.
Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants are Massachusetts farmers who own a commercial agricultural business that has been in operation for at least one (1) year and no more than ten (10) years. Applicants must be actively engaged in production agriculture and demonstrate commitment to developing a commercially viable farm business.
Funding Limitations: Selected participants who advance to Phase II may receive a grant award ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 on a cost-reimbursement basis, subject to MDAR approval and available funding. Participants are required to provide a one-to-one (1:1) cash match equal to the amount of the grant award.
Anticipated Timeline: Phase I contracts for business planning and technical assistance are expected to begin in September 2026 and end by June 30, 2027. Phase II project contracts are expected to begin in March 2027 and end June 30, 2027.
MDAR Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) | Deadline: April 14th
Goals: The Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) helps resolve stewardship issues caused by a prior owner to restore active commercial farming on land that has already been protected through the Department’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. Funds may be used for materials and contracted labor or equipment rental costs to clear or reclaim inactive fields that are out of production at no fault of the current owner.
Eligibility Factors: Applicant must own, or co-apply with the owner of land that was protected through the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program for at least three (3) years and must not have been the original owner of the property when the land was placed under the APR unless the proposed restoration is in response to damage caused by a natural disaster (i.e. storm) or uncontrollable third party influence. The need for restoration must not have been caused by the current owner or responders inaction or lack of stewardship/maintenance.
Funding Limitations: Grant funds of up to $50,000 are available on a cost reimbursement basis with a 15% match of total project costs required by the farm participant.
Farm Credit East Farmers Market Grant | Deadline: April 15th
Goals: Farmers Market Grants may be used to support participating farmers, market enhancements, marketing efforts and/or programs to support disadvantaged communities or improve access to fresh, local food. Note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets.
Eligibility Factors: Farmers markets must be within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Funding Limitations: Maximum request is $500.
Anticipated Timeline: The project must be completed by June 30, 2026.
MAY
American Lamb Board Producer Program | Deadline: May 1st
Goals: The project will provide an opportunity for 150 sheep producers to identify production inefficiencies and to develop conservation plans. Producers will also modify management plans through technology implementation to mitigate emissions and improve their overall productivity. Enrolled producers will work with a Technical Service Provider (TSP) to establish operational plans, implement recommended changes and organize farm data to identify best management practices for productivity improvements.
Eligibility Factors: To be eligible for the program, applicants must: Be a U.S. sheep or lamb producer, have farm records with USDA Farm Service Agency, complete required paperwork (AD-2047), certify: you are not a foreign entity, you are not double-funded (e.g., not using EQIP for the same practices), agree to share farm data, participate in workshops/webinars.
Funding Limitations: Producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. Additional enrollment benefits:
Technical Service Provider
Electronic livestock identification system
Soil sampling
NSIP ultrasound and genetic consulting services
Anticipated Timeline: Chosen producers will be notified by June 1st, 2026. The program end date is September 30th, 2028.
MDAR Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program | Deadline: May 7th
Goals: FSIG supports capital infrastructure and equipment projects that build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable food system within Massachusetts.
Funded projects may:
- Increase local food production and consumption
- Expand processing, storage, and distribution capacity
- Improve food access in commercial and noncommercial settings
- Strengthen food system resilience and emergency preparedness
Projects that directly benefit underserved and under-resourced communities will receive priority consideration.
Eligibility Factors: To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be located and operating in Massachusetts
- Have operated for at least three (3) consecutive years
- Operate or support a commercial or noncommercial food operation that contributes to the Commonwealth’s food system and serves Massachusetts residents
Funding Limitations: Selected participants may receive an award ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 on a reimbursement basis. Participants are required to provide a minimum 20% cash match of eligible project costs.
Anticipated Timeline: Estimated award date is summer 2026. The contract end date is June 30, 2027, with no options for extensions.
MDAR Climate Smart Agriculture Program | Deadline: May 7th
Goals: Farms can apply for funding to support projects in food safety, composting, environmental improvements, and energy efficiency or renewable energy. These projects typically involve capital improvements, such as installing new infrastructure, purchasing durable equipment, or upgrading farm systems that improve long-term efficiency and resilience.
Eligibility Factors: This program is for agricultural operations within Massachusetts on property that is in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for a minimum of the previous three years prior to the application date. Applicants who have been operating an agricultural business for a period of one to three years, and have annual gross sales of at least $10,000 may be eligible for reduced funding amounts.
Funding Limitations: Award amounts range from $10,000 - $150,000, depending on how many years in business. A 20% match is required for each project area in which funds are applied for.
Anticipated Timeline: Estimated award date is August 2026. All projects must be completed by June 30th, 2027.
MDAR Urban Agriculture Program | Deadline: May 18th
Goals: The purpose of the MDAR Urban Agriculture Program is to advance Commonwealth goals and objectives, leverage collective resources, and support commercial projects designed to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth. Expenditures will promote strategies to address food insecurity and to increase access of fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-moderate income residents.
Eligibility Factors: Applicants must be located within Massachusetts and must operate or support a commercial urban agriculture enterprise or community food production initiative. Eligible applicants include municipalities, federal or state recognized Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, public or nonprofit educational institutions, and commercial urban farms with at least three (3) years of documented urban farming experience. Community Garden and Community Food Production proposals may only be submitted by municipalities or nonprofit organizations.
Funding Limitations: Award maximum ranges from $25,000 - $100,000 depending on project area. Commercial urban agriculture and community food production projects require a 25% cash match for requests over $15,000; land acquisition projects require a 25% cash match regardless of amount.
Anticipated Timeline: All projects must be completed by June 30th, 2027. Estimated award date is August 2026.
MDAR Food Ventures Grant Program | Deadline: May 28th
Goals: The overall goal of the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities.
Eligibility Factors: Massachusetts municipalities, Massachusetts non-profit or for-profit organizations, individual residents of Massachusetts may apply.
Funding Limitations: Awards will range from $25,000 to $250,000. This is a reimbursement grant and requires a 20% cash match.
Anticipated Timeline: Estimated award date is September 2026. All projects must be finished by June 30, 2027.
NATOORA Farm Fund | Deadline: May 31st
Goals: The Farm Fund grants are open to farmers who are 35 and under in Australia, Europe, the U.S. and the UK who are committed to agroecological cultivation methods. Applicants should demonstrate how their project reinforces soil health, cultural & identity, biodiversity, innovation, accessible scale and education, and how a grant would reinforce the long-term resilience and impact of their work.
Eligibility Factors: Applicant must be aged 35 or younger at the time of application and based in Australia, Europe, the U.S. or the UK. Must be farming on a small scale (less than 100 acres) and proposing a horticulture project growing directly in the soil. Previous recipients are ineligible until 5 years have passed since last successful application. Projects must have a clear long term plan.
Funding Limitations: $150,000 total funding available. Grants will be awarded at $30,000, $15,000 and $8,000 levels.
Anticipated Timeline: Finalists will be contacted in late June of 2026. Awards announced October 2026.
ROLLING APPLICATIONS, NO DEADLINE
Dairy Promotion Grant for Farmers
Goals: This grant program provides funding to eligible individuals and organizations for activities that improve public perception of dairy farming and/or increase consumption of local dairy products.
Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include:
- Dairy farmers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont (applicants must be associated with the production of cow’s milk)
- Retired dairy farmers or agriculture advocates, in partnership with an active dairy producer
- Agriculture organizations (FFA, Farm Bureau, 4-H, etc.) within our five state region
Funding Limitations: $2,400 in funding annually is available per farm.
Anticipated Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply at least six weeks prior to your event or activity. Applicants will be notified by email of approval or denial, as well as the total funding amount. You can expect a decision within three weeks of submitting your grant application. Approved applicants will receive funding approximately two weeks after we receive your completed grant paperwork, which includes an LOA, W9, and other documents. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. Grant recipients are required to submit a grant report after completion of the event or activity to remain eligible in the next calendar year.
Goals: The Black Farmers Learn educational subsidy will pay tuition or registration fees of up to $500 for Black farmers or land stewards who wish to expand their knowledge or skills via a self-identified training program. This program honors education from structured sources available to the public; this includes schools, farming institutions, land or agricultural collectives, and conferences or training that offer to deepen skills and increase farming capacity.
Eligibility Factors: This program is available to Black farmers or land stewards who are members of the Northeast Farmers of Color (NEFOC) Network and are pursuing publicly available, structured education programs.
Funding Limitations: This program will pay tuition or registration fees up to $500.
Anticipated Timeline: Applications are accepted the first week of every month.
Goals: The goal of this award is to support farmers' self-care needs. Examples include dinner with friends and family, deep tissue massage, gym or yoga membership, therapy sessions, family fun day and more.
Eligibility Factors: Farmers and ranchers operating in the contiguous United States, including all U.S. territories, have an annual farming income of $1,000 or more, and have never received a Real Farmer Care self-care award before.
Funding Limitations: Awards are $100 per applicant. Grants will be distributed via Visa/Mastercard e-gift cards.
Anticipated Timeline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed in the order in which they are received. Funds will be awarded when available and award distribution will occur in seasonal rounds. Applications submitted after the initial window or beyond fund availability will be considered for funding in future rounds.
Black Farmer Fund Rapid Response Fund
Goals: The goal of this award is to provide financial support to Black Farmers and Food Business Owners experiencing a one-time emergency.
Eligibility Factors: Black Farmers and Food Business Owners operating in the Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Rhode Island). The business must be in operation for at least one year. The business has demonstrated engagement, work and support with community members.
Funding Limitations: Up to $10,000 awards granted for general emergencies. For 2025 Funding Freeze/Cancellation emergency award maximum is $50,000.
Anticipated Timeline: Four rounds of funding available per year. See website for timeline.
