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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