MDAR GRANT FY27- Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)

Background
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is launching the Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) for Fiscal Year 2027. This program aims to provide business assistance to enhance the viability of farm businesses and support agricultural resource stewardship. It seeks responses from landowners with commercial agricultural businesses in Massachusetts, focusing on increasing financial viability through business planning and technical assistance.

Work Details
The FVEP is structured in two phases:

Phase I involves selected applicants entering a contract to receive business planning and technical assistance to develop or update a farm business plan (FVEP Plan). Upon completion and approval of the FVEP Plan, participants may advance to Phase II for potential grant funding to implement capital improvements identified in the plan.

Eligible projects include construction or renovation of agricultural structures, purchase of new or used farm equipment, and on-farm resource improvements. All funds must be used for agreed-upon capital improvement projects that enhance productivity and efficiency. Grant awards can reach up to $90,000, $130,000, or $175,000 depending on the applicant's gross farm income and acreage under covenant.

Period of Performance
Phase I contracts will begin in September 2026 and end on June 30, 2027. Phase II project contracts are expected to start around April 2027 and conclude by June 30, 2028.

Place of Performance
The program is intended for commercial agricultural businesses located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be Massachusetts commercial farm business owners operating on at least five acres of unrestricted farmland for at least three consecutive years. They must have a minimum gross farm income of $40,000 in 2025. Applicants must agree to place their entire farm property under an Agricultural Covenant for a fixed term (10 or 15 years) as part of the grant agreement. There are no match requirements for this program.