The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP), the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP), the Cranberry Bog Renovation (CBRG) Program, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP).
Local farms receiving award include Shaw Farm Dairy, Ogonowski Farm and Farmer Dave’s in Dracut, along with Fat Moon Farm in Chelmsford.
The grants, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), provide funding to local farmers, supporting them 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.
Shaw Farm was awarded $46,800 for a manure spreader to work with existing manure storage and transfer system.
“Massachusetts is a state that supports its agriculture industry, and they do that by encouraging change through cost sharing,” Shaw Farms Owner Warren Shaw tells InsideLowell. “We’re happy to be a part of that.”
Farmer Dave’s also received $46,800 to convert an existing fixed parked diesel powered refrigeration trailer to all-electric tying into the farm’s roof-mounted photovoltaic system.
The Ogonowski Farm award is for $5,000 and will go toward the replacement cost of current overhead irrigation to drip irrigation with moisture sensors which will reduce water use.
Fat Moon Farm was given $25,050 toward new anti-microbial grow racks that will provide a smooth, non-porous surface that is resistant to rust and corrosion.
“Our farmers face countless challenges, so it’s critical that we support them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”
“From the Berkshires to Barnstable County, our farms are significant economic drivers and the backbone of our local food system. Their success benefits us all,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Programs like these help improve and strengthen Massachusetts farms in the short and long term.”
One response to “Four Local Farms Receive Grants from Healey Administration”
The local farms struggle to maintain such a valuable product. It is wonderful to see the state support them. Thank you. Check any maps from 50 years ago and you’ll be schoked at the number of farms that made the tough decision to sell off their farmland. Change occurs in all areas, public demand for fresh produce year round, limited time for preserving crops as they are harvested,new regulations without financial support to adapt, high taxes and low wages all add up to local farms struggling to make a commitment not to sell their valuable property to developers. How far we have come in convince is offset by what we have given up! It will be a sad day when another of our local farms can no longer make ends meet. I would encourage you to hear the stories of the local farmers.Grafton Historical Society offered a presentation by men and women who have put the safe production of local food as their goal but admittedly at what cost to themselves? Support them or loose this precious commodity.