Agricultural Preservation Restriction Improvement Program 2026

The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Improvement Program (AIP) is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), a state-level agency dedicated to supporting and enhancing the viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. The program builds upon the foundational efforts of MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, which protects farmland by removing development rights to ensure long-term agricultural use. The AIP specifically focuses on improving the economic and operational sustainability of farms that have previously enrolled in the APR Program. The primary objective of the AIP is to assist commercial farms with business planning, technical assistance, and capital improvements that support active farming. Eligible applicants are commercial farms that already hold protected land through the APR Program. The assistance provided by AIP is tailored to meet the specific needs of each participating farm, helping them improve infrastructure and overall farm viability. Through this initiative, MDAR aims to ensure that protected agricultural lands remain productive, profitable, and adaptable to current market and environmental conditions. Grant funding under AIP is awarded on a cost reimbursement basis and may reach up to $80,000, $125,000, or $150,000, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed improvements. A minimum 10% matching contribution from the applicant is required. The grant funds are designated for capital infrastructure investments identified through the AIP business planning process. Eligible uses include constructing or enhancing agricultural buildings such as barns and livestock housing, farmstands, or processing facilities. Additional uses include resource-based improvements such as well installations, establishing perennial crops, and installing fencing. The program may also fund supplementary technical assistance in areas like family succession planning, marketing strategies, and financial recordkeeping. The application process requires applicants to first review the Request for Response (RFR) document, which outlines detailed requirements and expectations. Both the RFR and the official application form are available via the COMMBUYS platform. Interested applicants must submit their completed applications by the deadline of Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The application review process considers farm viability plans, proposed infrastructure improvements, and the farm’s commitment to sustained agricultural production on APR-protected land. Contact for the program is Jessica Camp, who can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 617-823-0871. While the specific award notification date and performance period are not detailed, the program indicates ongoing support for infrastructure and business viability improvements. The grant cycle appears to follow an annual pattern, with the current solicitation open and accepting applications as of the analysis date. The AIP is part of MDAR’s broader suite of Agricultural Business Assistance and Financial Assistance Programs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term agricultural preservation and economic development within the farming community. As such, it serves as a critical link between land protection and active farm stewardship.