News
USDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use
CISA Emergency Farm Fund is OPEN
CISA is offering zero-interest loans of up to $25,000 for Massachusetts farms in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties affected by fluctuating winter temperatures that killed peach buds in February, the deep freeze of May 18, and widespread flooding in July.
Conexión: How nature becomes a classroom for Springfield, Mass. students
New England Public Media | By Elizabeth Román Published October 19, 2023 Para leer este artículo en español, haz clic aquí. Shaylee Gutierrez knows all about the water cycle, and she can
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $20 Million in Grants to Create Career Opportunities in the Water Workforce
WASHINGTON (September 25, 2023) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of over $20 million in grant funding to support training for workers who protect and treat
Create a Future Workforce through Agricultural Apprenticeships
Learn about establishing a Registered Apprenticeship Program, including high demand agriculture apprenticeship occupations to help create a future workforce, improve productivity, and reduce turn-over. Employers everywhere are discovering a new type of
NACD Applauds the Establishment of the American Climate Corps
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds the establishment of the American Climate Corps. Developing the next generation of conservationists has been a top priority and a
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $4.6 Billion in Competitive Grants to Cut Climate Pollution
Announcement comes during Climate Week 2023 WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched $4.6 billion in competitive grants to fund state, local, and Tribal programs
Bristol/Norfolk/Suffolk Counties FSA Reminds Historically Underserved Producers of USDA Benefits
Some groups of people are identified in Farm Bill legislation and in USDA policy as being Historically Underserved (HU). Members of these communities have been historically underserved by, or subject
USDA Invests in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Effort in Boston
BOSTON, Mass., – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $350,000 in a grant to Eastie Farms in Boston for its Eastie Grows: Growing Food, Farms, and Farmers
Conservation Districts Launch No-Till Equipment Rental Program
Berkshire and Hampden-Hampshire Conservation Districts have partnered to form a western Massachusetts regional no-till equipment rental program. Open to farmers in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, the program features
Climate change is threatening farms across New England. Here’s how farmers are responding.
On a hot July day at Fresh Start Farms in Concord, New Hampshire, the kale, swiss chard, African eggplant and amaranth were growing strong. “It’s very obvious to see
Several Western Mass. Farms Get Preservation Grants
Twelve Massachusetts farms will be receiving a share of $4.7 million to preserve their farmlands, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Monday. The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction program will
Upcoming Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Opportunities
USDA Last month, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of investments in urban agriculture and food and market access, including $40 million for initiatives supporting urban and suburban producers.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $710,140 in Grants to Support APR Farms
–August 14– BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced awards of $710,140 in APR Improvement Program (AIP) funding to nine farms across Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) grants
Rare caterpillar found after decades of habitat restoration
MassWildlife staff recently discovered a frosted elfin caterpillar at Montague Plains WMA. Along with other promising findings, this exciting news is further evidence that restoration at this site
USDA Establishes New Farm Service Agency Urban County Committee in Boston
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a new urban county committee in Boston, joining 26 other cities with a committee focused on delivery of USDA Farm Service Agency
Disaster declaration issued for seven Massachusetts counties following July flooding
All four counties in western Massachusetts along with Bristol, Norfolk and Worcester, have been included in the latest disaster declaration by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The declaration
Biden-Harris Administration makes $260 million available for new fish passage projects as part of Investing in America agenda
NOAA Fisheries is announcing two funding opportunities totaling $260 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support new fish passage projects, which will not only help protect and restore migrating fish and their habitats, but yield important community and economic benefits.