Urban Agriculture Program

The Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Program (MUAP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through its Division of Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, offers a capital grant opportunity aimed at increasing access to healthy, affordable, locally produced food in urban communities across the Commonwealth. The program provides financial assistance to commercial and community-based agricultural projects that promote urban food production, environmental sustainability, and workforce development. The 2027 MUAP cycle covers the fiscal year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with applications due no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, May 18, 2026. The program’s primary goal is to invest in long-term infrastructure that enhances food system resilience and equity in Massachusetts’ urban centers. Funding is targeted toward projects that improve food access in underserved neighborhoods with a concentration of low-to-moderate income residents. Eligible project types include land acquisition, durable equipment purchases, green infrastructure such as greenhouses and hoop houses, climate change mitigation tools like drip irrigation systems, and innovative growing methods including vertical farming, aquaponics, and aquaculture. Community-based food production initiatives and urban gardens must demonstrate clear public benefit and must be administered by either municipalities or nonprofit organizations. The MUAP provides grant awards of up to $100,000 depending on the type of project, with a required cash match of 25% for most categories, including commercial urban agriculture, community food production exceeding $15,000, and all land acquisition projects. In-kind contributions, donations, or use of other state/federal grant sources are not permitted for match. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, with no extensions allowed. Expenditures must be capital in nature, having a useful life of at least five years. Operational, legal, or routine maintenance costs are ineligible for funding. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based municipalities, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public or nonprofit educational institutions, federally or state-recognized Tribal governments, and commercial urban farms with at least three years of urban farming experience. Applications must clearly describe the proposed project scope, community impacts, and alignment with program goals such as environmental justice, increased production capacity, and improved food distribution systems. Projects lacking legal site control or not aligned with zoning regulations are not eligible. To apply, interested parties must submit a complete proposal package by the deadline, either via email to the program contact or through mail to the MDAR office. Submissions must include a completed application form, match documentation, proof of land control, farm business plans (where applicable), and three vendor quotes for expenditures over $500. Land acquisition applicants must provide additional documentation, including property appraisals and proof of allowable agricultural use. All awarded contractors must comply with reporting requirements and submit a final report on project outcomes. The evaluation process consists of two phases: an eligibility and completeness review, followed by scoring against established evaluation criteria. These criteria include the project's impact on food access, environmental sustainability, and commercial viability, as well as the applicant's operational capacity, timeline, and sustainability planning. Successful projects must demonstrate both immediate and long-term benefits to urban communities and align with the Commonwealth’s broader food and climate justice goals. Notifications of awards are expected in August 2026.

Clearly explain community benefit, sustainability plan, and how the project meets capital improvement criteria; include required documentation to avoid disqualification.