Berkshire Agricultural Groups Receive Over $124K in State Grants

10:46AM / Thursday, May 08, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced significant grant funding to support agricultural initiatives across Massachusetts, with several organizations in Berkshire County receiving awards.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will manage these grants through three programs: the Agricultural Fairs Infrastructure Grant Program, Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program, and Buy Local Grant Program.

"Agricultural fairs are an important part of Massachusetts' farming history and traditions," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "These fairs, along with farmers markets, highlight the strength of our agricultural industry. The grants will help them stay active and provide valuable cultural, educational, and economic opportunities to our communities."

Through the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program, four Berkshire County farmers markets will receive funds to enhance their operations. The Lee Farmers Market has been awarded $4,000. Roots Rising, which manages the Pittsfield Indoor and Outdoor Farmers Markets, will receive $10,000.

"Pittsfield's farmers market is an important part of our community, and it is vital that we invest in the farmers to ensure there is healthy food available for all here in Pittsfield and the Berkshires," said State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "I am proud that we are investing in farmers markets that bring our communities together and, in turn, the farmers that feed us."

The Sheffield Association, overseeing the Sheffield Summer and Winter Farmers Markets, has also been granted $10,000. Additionally, the Williamstown Farmers Market will receive $8,574.50. These grants aim to bolster strategic planning and consumer marketing efforts, ultimately increasing customer engagement and sales for local farmers within these markets.

Furthermore, Berkshire Grown has been awarded $91,788.96 through the Buy Local Grant Program. This funding will support their ongoing efforts to connect local farmers with their communities and educate consumers on the importance of purchasing locally grown products. Berkshire Grown plays a vital role in raising awareness and increasing demand for farm-fresh goods throughout the region.

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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