Description
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is offering grants through the APR Improvement Program (AIP) to support commercial farm businesses on land protected through the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program. The program provides business planning and technical assistance to help farms improve their productivity and profitability. Eligible applicants must own or operate a commercial agricultural business on APR-protected land and have been in operation for at least three years. The program has two phases: Phase I provides business planning and technical assistance, while Phase II offers grant funding for capital improvements. The grant awards can be up to $80,000, $125,000, or $150,000, depending on the farm's gross income and acreage.
• Eligible projects include new construction or renovations to existing infrastructure, resource improvements, and limited funding for non-infrastructure uses such as equipment or marketing improvements.
• Applicants must provide a minimum cash match of 10% of the grant award.
• The program aims to improve the economic viability of farms, retain or create jobs, and support the agricultural industry.
• Applications must be submitted by April 14, 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.