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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Pittsfield ConCom OKs Stairs at Pontoosuc Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:59AM / Friday, August 07, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Shoreline access stairs are coming to the south side of Pontoosuc Lake.

Last week, the Conservation Commission approved an amendment to the Order of Conditions for work at Pontoosuc Lake Park. There will be two stair sets on the south shoreline, and additional bank stabilization.

In 2025, the park's south side saw new stairs from the parking lot, a boardwalk, and other improvements. Later phases of the project will enhance the north side of the park for swimming, and remedy a concrete barrier wall that is partially underwater.

"Generally, what we're looking to do at Pontoosuc Lake Park is install some stair sets in two locations to help folks access from up above the bank, over the bank, and into the water," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained during the July 23 meeting.

"We're sensitive to some of the issues that are currently existing on the bank, and we're also sensitive to some of the needs for lake recreation out there."

Stairs for water access will be placed on the shoreline at the beginning of the boardwalk, where it is highly eroded, and the second staircase will be at the extreme western end of the project area, which has around 100 feet of highly eroded bank.

Additional brush layering will also stabilize the bank.

An area near the boat ramp where live stakes were vandalized will see them replanted after the ConCom found some of the bank erosion was worse than believed on a site visit last year.

The city originally proposed not replanting the area where live stakes were removed.

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