Description
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking proposals for the Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP). The program provides business planning and technical assistance to established commercial farms in Massachusetts, with the goal of increasing the financial viability of farm businesses and preserving agricultural resources. Eligible applicants must be operating a commercial agricultural business on at least five acres of owned unrestricted farmland property, and must have operated the business for at least three consecutive years. The program is structured in two phases: Phase I provides business planning and technical assistance, while Phase II provides capital funding for improvements to increase farm viability.
Key aspects of the program include:
• Eligible projects must be capital projects that maintain or enhance agricultural productivity and are aligned with the program's goal to increase farm viability.
• Grant awards may be up to $90,000, $130,000, or $175,000, depending on available funding and the applicant's gross farm income and acreage.
• A match requirement is not required, but participants may contribute their own funds towards project costs.
• The program has specific eligibility requirements, including a minimum gross farm income of $40,000 and a minimum of five acres of owned unrestricted land.
• Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.