2026 Climate Smart Agriculture Program

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) is an initiative by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), consolidating multiple funding streams into a single, simplified grant application. The program aims to assist agricultural operations in Massachusetts in becoming more resilient to climate change, enhancing sustainability, and improving food safety and energy efficiency. It integrates five distinct grant categories—Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE), Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP), Agricultural Energy Program (ENER), Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP), and Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP). This combination streamlines access and encourages broader participation by reducing application complexity. CSAP is designed to fund projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, improve energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption, enhance soil and water resource management, support on-farm composting, and elevate food safety standards. Projects can include initiatives like implementing drip irrigation systems, installing renewable energy sources such as solar PV, upgrading food safety infrastructure, and improving composting practices. Each project must align with program goals and provide measurable environmental, operational, or financial improvements. Applicants must be Massachusetts-based agricultural operations engaged in production agriculture under M.G.L. c. 128, Section 1A, and the property must have been in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for at least three years prior to application. Projects on leased land are eligible if supported by a lease of at least three years. Previously funded applicants are also eligible but must detail past funding use and impact. Specific criteria apply to operations under Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APR), and certain documentation such as energy audits or conservation plans may be required depending on the project type. Applications must be submitted online with support documents emailed to MDARGrants@mass.gov. Required documentation includes project descriptions, work plans, budgets, vendor quotes, maps, and financial support evidence. Applicants proposing energy projects must submit technical assessments or energy audits and calculate expected energy savings. Food safety applicants should provide training and certification records if applicable. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. There is an earlier deadline for submitting questions—Thursday, May 29, 2025. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. The award announcement is expected in October 2025, with contracts starting thereafter. MDAR will evaluate proposals based on detailed criteria, including project feasibility, alignment with program goals, sustainability, and completeness of documentation. Site visits may be part of the evaluation process. Grants are reimbursement-based and cover up to 80% of total eligible project costs, with a cap of $50,000 per project area and a maximum of $150,000 overall. A minimum 20% match is required and must be demonstrated through financial records. Awarded applicants must sign a standard contract with MDAR before beginning work. Project costs incurred before contract execution are not eligible for reimbursement. Contact for the program is Laura Maul at 857-507-5972 or Laura.Maul@mass.gov.