out the state . Customers can access core services provided by the Farm Service Agency , Natural Resources Conservation Service , and the Rural Development Agencies . These resources can be found at the Department of Agriculture web site . They will get you started , take you step by step through the entire process , and then inform you , if your application is approved , of the dollar amount you have been awarded .
Massachusetts awards millions each year in agricultural grants , most of them intended for economic development and research . Massachusetts Farm Energy Program provides help in applying for a number of programs , and they recently received a grant to help farmers prepare applications , at no cost .
As long as you are engaged in some form of commercial agricultural , related research or sustainable land stewardship , you can probably find a federal or state program that may provide funding – you just have to be patient and committed to see it through a sometimes frustrating process .
Some of the more interesting Federal offerings :
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High Tunnel Greenhouse Funding
❧❧Agricultural Management Assistance
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Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
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Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative
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Conservation Initiatives , Innovation Grants
❧❧ Conservation Stewardship Program
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Emergency Watershed Protection Program
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Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
Some of the more interesting programs available from the Mass Department of Agriculture :
Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture ( MEGA ) – a grant program for beginning farmers .
Ag-Energy Special Projects Grant – NEW - The purpose of this Grant is to provide funding to improve farm ' s energy efficiency .
Corporations and private foundations also offer opportunities :
The Whole Foods Market program , called the Whole Kids Foundation , offers grants to schools that want to establish learning gardens . Their mission statement states their aim is in “ improving children ' s nutrition and wellness with the goal of ending the childhood obesity epidemic .” The grants are for about $ 2,000 and can be used for helping with the costs of setting up these learning opportunities for children .
The Pollination Project is an international nonprofit that gives out daily seed grants up to $ 5,000 to support passionate , committed people with an early-stage social change vision . They fund individuals and community groups , and you do not need 501 ( c ) status to apply .
There are many others . So if you or your organization have the passion and the patience , go for it !
Why ?
Some great reasons to advertise with us
❧❧Large Circulation
30,000 issues will be distributed for free across the Metro Boston area .
❧❧Timely and Relevant Content
We curate and bundle information intended for growers and locavores – with information and resources for a fast-growing consumer bloc that demands better food choices . Our readers support local business and will respond to your message .
❧❧Highly Targeted
GROW ! Boston is where your customers and future customers are . Distribution points include garden centers , farmers markets , festivals & fairs , greenhouses , food shops , cafes and drop points . Our growing mailing list includes subscribers , followers , media and industry members .
❧❧Regional Exposure
Comprehensive regional distribution exposes your advertising message to new prospects . Our magazine is where your customers shop and where they go to connect with likeminded folks .
❧❧Local Saturation
We work with you to make a strong impression in your community with hyper-local distribution – right in your neighborhood .
❧❧Multi-media Support
GROW ! uses multiple media platforms including print , radio , Internet and social networks . Our busy and active web site is updated daily with the latest listings and new seasonal content . Our media partner , North Shore 104.9 FM radio in Beverly , promotes the magazine to North Shore readers . With buzzing Twitter , Facebook and Instagram feeds , local searches and reviews . We have it covered – A total local marketing solution !
GROW ! BOSTON
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