The APR Improvement Program (AIP) is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and is designed to enhance the long-term viability of farms operating on land protected through the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. This grant opportunity provides both financial and technical support to commercial farms committed to sustaining active agricultural operations on preserved farmland.
Through the AIP, eligible farms can access business planning services and targeted technical assistance to identify strategic improvements. Once planning is complete, farms may apply for capital grants ranging from $90,000 to $150,000 on a cost reimbursement basis. A minimum 10% matching contribution from the farm is required. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure projects such as constructing or improving barns, livestock housing, processing facilities, farmstands, wells, fencing, or the establishment of perennial crops. In addition to funding, the program offers technical guidance in key areas like succession planning, marketing, and financial tracking.
To be eligible, farms must be commercial operations located in Massachusetts with land already under APR protection. The program is intended to support enhancements that ensure continued productive use of preserved farmland. Applications must align with strategies identified during the AIP planning process.
The application window is currently open, with all submissions due by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Applicants are directed to the COMMBUYS procurement platform to access the full Request for Response (RFR), which includes the application form and additional instructions. Several resources, such as FAQs and lists of past participants, are also available to guide applicants.
For additional support or clarification, interested applicants can contact Jessica Camp at MDAR by email at Jessica.Camp@mass.gov or by phone at 617-823-0871. This funding opportunity is part of the Commonwealth’s broader commitment to supporting the agricultural economy and preserving the productivity of its farmland.
