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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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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