Are There Grants for Massachusetts Farm Owners?
Yes — Massachusetts farm owners may be eligible for a range of state and federal grant and funding programs. Many farm owners are eligible for programs they have never heard of, or have heard of but never pursued. Here is an overview of the major categories.
Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)
The Massachusetts Farm Viability Enhancement Program, administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources, provides grants to farm businesses for business planning, infrastructure improvements, equipment, and other investments that improve the long-term viability of the operation. The program is competitive and requires a business plan.
FVEP grants are among the most flexible available to Massachusetts farmers — the funds can be used for a wide range of farm improvements. Applications are reviewed in an annual competitive round.
USDA EQIP
The USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides cost-share payments to agricultural producers for implementing conservation practices — soil health, water quality, irrigation efficiency, wildlife habitat, and more. EQIP is one of the largest sources of conservation funding for Massachusetts farmers.
EQIP applications are reviewed by the local NRCS office on a priority basis. Cranberry growers, dairy farmers, and vegetable producers are among the most common EQIP participants in Massachusetts.
Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR)
The APR program is not a grant in the traditional sense — it is a purchase of development rights. But for farm owners with land that has significant development value, the APR payment can be substantial. The program permanently protects the land from development in exchange for a payment based on the difference between market value and agricultural value.
Other programs
Additional programs available to Massachusetts farm owners include USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) payments for maintaining existing conservation practices, USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for wetland and farmland protection, Massachusetts beginning farmer programs, and various energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
Grant programs change frequently. The best starting point is the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and your local USDA Service Center (NRCS and FSA offices). MA Land Pros can help you understand which programs may be relevant to your property and situation.
Want to understand which grant programs might apply to your farm? Start with a free property review.
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Property information and development concepts provided by MA Land Pros are preliminary and for informational purposes only. Development potential is subject to zoning, wetlands, engineering, surveying, permitting, environmental requirements and applicable governmental approvals. Tax, legal, grant and conservation information should be independently verified with qualified professionals and the appropriate government agencies.