Farm Readiness Grant Program

The Farm Readiness Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is a targeted reimbursement funding initiative designed to support capital improvements for active commercial farms across Massachusetts. The program aims to strengthen core agricultural infrastructure through the purchase and installation of durable, installation-ready equipment and systems. This grant focuses on improvements that increase operational efficiency, enhance environmental performance, and ensure the continued viability and productivity of farms throughout the state. MDAR operates under the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs and is responsible for supporting the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry through various technical, financial, and land conservation programs. Specifically, the program funds projects that are commercially available at the time of application and can be installed without the need for new construction or discretionary permitting. Eligible improvements must be completed and fully invoiced by June 30, 2026. These may include infrastructure upgrades in energy efficiency, soil health, cold storage, precision agriculture, and compost management, among others. All funded projects must result in the purchase, replacement, or upgrade of a durable capital asset located within the existing farm footprint, with an expected useful life of at least five years. Applicants must pay in full for approved projects prior to requesting reimbursement, and only expenses incurred after contract execution are eligible for reimbursement. Applicants must be Massachusetts farmers engaged in commercial agricultural production who have operated continuously on the same property for a minimum of three years. Legal site control is required, and applicants must be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. While applicants may have received previous MDAR grants, each operation is limited to one award per fiscal year. The maximum grant award is $50,000 per farm operation, and applicants must contribute a minimum of 20% in cash match. In-kind contributions and funds from other state grants are not allowable as matching sources. Applications must be submitted online by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Required documentation includes a completed budget using the official template, current vendor quotes for all requested items, and a lease agreement if the project is proposed on land not owned by the applicant. Optional but recommended supporting materials include a map showing the installation location and documentation of financial capacity to cover upfront costs. Applications will be evaluated in two phases. The first review assesses eligibility, completeness, and scoring based on evaluation criteria including project readiness, expected operational improvements, and financial readiness. Favorably scored applications may proceed to a field visit for further validation. Final funding decisions rest with MDAR leadership and the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, and are contingent upon availability of funds. Awardees must sign a contract with the Commonwealth before initiating project activities. Once the equipment or infrastructure is installed and operational, grantees may request reimbursement by submitting invoices, proof of payment, and any required documentation. All projects must be completed and invoiced by June 30, 2026, with no extensions. MDAR reserves the right to inspect completed work and may modify project scopes to align with program goals. The official grant documents and submission portal are available through the Commonwealth’s website, and the main contact for the program is Laura J. Maul, who can be reached by phone at (857) 507-5972 or by email at [email protected].

Ensure project is installation-ready, includes full budget and quotes, and can be completed by June 30, 2026.