The Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The MEGA program is designed to support beginning farmers in Massachusetts who are in the early stages of developing their farms into commercially viable businesses. Specifically, it targets those who have been in operation between one and ten years. The program aims to strengthen these businesses by offering both technical and business planning assistance, as well as a grant component to support capital investments.
MEGA provides financial support in the form of matching grants available at levels of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000. These funds are distributed on a 1:1 matching cost reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must match the grant amount with an equal investment of their own resources. Eligible expenses include equipment, infrastructure, or other capital improvements that align with strategies developed through the business planning process. The goal is to help beginning farmers raise agricultural products and enhance the commercial viability of their operations.
A key feature of the MEGA program is the integration of technical assistance, including an optional mentorship component, which is intended to guide participants through strategic planning and implementation. This support helps farmers identify effective growth strategies and apply the grant funds accordingly to meet long-term business objectives.
The current application cycle is open, with all applications due by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Interested applicants are directed to view the full Request for Response (RFR), including the application materials, on the COMMBUYS procurement platform under the File Attachments section. Additional information and frequently asked questions are available in downloadable PDF documents provided by MDAR.
For more support or clarification, applicants may contact Jessica Camp at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. She can be reached by email at Jessica.Camp@mass.gov or by phone at 617-823-0871. This grant opportunity is part of a broader effort by the Commonwealth to support beginning farmers and the long-term sustainability of agricultural enterprises in Massachusetts.
