MA Urban Agriculture Program | Deadline: May 31st

Goals: To increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth. Additionally, projects 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: Established urban farmers with more than 3 years of experience in commercial growing, non-profit organizations, and municipalities are all eligible. Land acquisition, infrastructure purchases, soil management, and more are all eligible expenses.

Funding Limitations: This is a reimbursement grant. Commercial urban ag projects are able to apply for $5,000 to $50,000. Community projects are able to apply for $1,000 to $20,000. All land acquisition applicants may apply for up to $100,000. Land projects and all projects over $15,000 require a 25% cash match.

Anticipated Timeline: Decisions are expected to be announced in July 2022. Contracts are expected to start in September 2022 and conclude by June 30, 2023.

Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) | Deadline: June 6th

Goals: To increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities.

Eligibility Factors: For-profits, non-profits, municipalities, and individuals are eligible. Eligible projects include processing infrastructure, marketing & distribution plan development, building construction or renovation for growing or distributing food, mobile market vehicles, and more. If applicable, all projects must accept SNAP.

Funding Limitations: Between $50,000 and $250,000 available per grant. A 50% cash match is required.

Anticipated Timeline: Decisions expected by September 2022. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2023.

Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) | Deadline: June 10th

Goals: To support MA agriculture in proactively adapting to climate-related risks, implementing mitigation practices, and becoming more financially & ecologically resilient in the face of climate change. This program combines the application processes for ACRE (Agricultural Climate Resilience & Efficiencies), AEEP (Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program), and ENER (Ag-Energy Grant Program).

Eligibility Factors: Agricultural operations who have been in business and managed by the applicant for at least the three previous years are eligible. View this year’s project focuses here. Additional eligibility requirements exist for applicants for energy infrastructure through ENER; view them in the RFR.

Funding Limitations: Grants will fund 80% of project costs, up to $50,000.

Anticipated Timeline: Decisions are expected to be made by October. Contracts for successful applicants will end June 30, 2023.

Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant | Deadline: June 23rd

Goals: To support established value-added dairy processors and producer associations in accessing professional marketing and branding services to elevate value-added dairy businesses.

Eligibility Factors: Established value-added dairy processors headquartered in the Northeast may apply if they transform raw milk into an edible product, source or produce milk within the Northeast, manufacture any value-added products within the Northeast, and are a licensed dairy processor in compliance with all required state and/federal standards.

Funding Limitations: Funds between $10,000 and $50,000 are available. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required. Funds will be distributed in three payments over the course of the grant contract.

Anticipated Timeline: Applicants will be notified in mid-July and project contracts will be signed in mid-August. Projects may be 8 to 15 months in duration.

New England Food Vision Prize | Deadline: June 30th

Goals: To build resiliency, relationships, and capacity within New England’s academic institutional food supply chain, resulting in increased use of local and regional food at K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Eligibility Factors: Farms, food producers, food hubs, processors, and more are eligible to apply, but must have letters of support from at least one educational institution (K-12 or higher ed). For-profit businesses may participate as project partners, but the primary applicant receiving grant funds from the Kendall Foundation must be a nonprofit organization, government entity, or municipality.

Funding Limitations: Grants between $25,000 and $200,000 are available. Funding can be used for infrastructure, equipment, staffing, training, and marketing.

Anticipated Timeline: Letters of interest should be submitted by 6/30. Invitations to the full application will be released 7/15, and the application will be due 9/1. Recipients will be notified by mid-October, and projects must be completed within two years.

EBT/SNAP Equipment Grant | Deadline: September 23rd

Goals: To provide free SNAP processing equipment to direct marketing farms and farmers’ markets.

Eligibility Factors: Eligibility is limited to direct marketing farms & farmers’ markets who do not currently have working equipment that was received through previous federal grants. Equipment does not process credit/debit.

Funding Limitations: Grants will be administered through the form of an equipment package, not funding. View the components of equipment packages here.

Anticipated Timeline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so applying early is better, as funds may run out.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Goals: To address natural resource concerns by planning and/or installing conservation practices that benefit soil, water, plants, air, and animals.

Eligibility Factors: Agricultural or aquacultural producers across the state are welcome to apply. Additional eligibility requirements may be found by contacting your local NRCS field office. Must complete a conservation plan in conjunction with NRCS before submitting an application.

Funding Limitations: Funding possibilities vary based on project. Get in touch with NRCS to learn more.

Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP)

Goals: To increase access to healthy, affordable food in low-income, underserved areas through grants, loans, and business assistance.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible businesses include farm stands, grocery & corner stores, farmers’ markets, food hubs, and more. Must expand food access in underserved areas and align with community needs. Eligible applicants likely accept SNAP, HIP, or WIC. For-profits, non-profits, and cooperatives are all eligible. Preference will be given to applicants who have 3 years of operating experience and who have not previously received state funding.

Funding Limitations: Grants available from $5,000 to $25,ooo. Loans available from $15,000 to $300,000. Funds may be used for capital expenses, real estate, and more.