ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) awarded Broadlawn Farm a $50,000 Enviroment grant to purchase of a no-till 6-row planter to eliminate tilling, improve soil health, reduce erosion, and decrease fuel use.

 

The grant was part of $3.3 million in funding Governor Maura Healey announced on March 11 marking the first Massachusetts Agriculture Day.

 

"For generations, Massachusetts farmers have cultivated our land, grown our food, and strengthened our communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "As we celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, we're reminded of just how central agriculture has been to our history and our identity. Today, we celebrate that legacy – and reaffirm our commitment to the farmers and growers who carry it forward."

 

Grants supported:

 

The Cranberry Renovation & Enhancement Program supports cranberry growers in revitalizing their bogs, increasing yields, and improving the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. Since 2020, the program has awarded over $6.5 million to 104 growers, helping renovate 479 acres of growing space.

 

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) provides financial incentives to farms that voluntary adopt conservation practices, improve soil health, invest in renewable energy, and upgrade aging equipment and infrastructure with energy efficient tools. The program helps farms lower their operating costs, reduce their environmental footprint, and build resilience against more frequent extreme weather. 

 

The Buy Local Program awards funds to the ten regional Buy Local groups operating across the state, connecting local farmers to their communities, and building consumer awareness for locally grown food.

 

In conjunction with the United Nations declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, MDAR has been spotlighting Massachusetts women farmers throughout the year on its social media channels and has launched a website featuring women farmers nominated by their peers.

 

"This year, we're excited to celebrate and uplift the many women farmers who are part of the Massachusetts agricultural sector," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "43% of our principal farm owners and operators in the state are women which is higher than the national average and one of the highest in the country! Together with the rest of our farming community, our industry is close-knit, resilient, dynamic, and committed to the best practices that will contribute to increasing agriculture in Massachusetts. With our Buy Local groups who have boots on the ground in their respective regions, they see first-hand the results that awareness campaigns and promotions have on educating buyers with the many benefits that buying local has on their community."