Step 1 of 7 - Agricultural Operation Information

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Applicant Information:

Legal Structure(Required)

Primary Contact(Required)
Mailing Address(Required)
Is the site address the same as the mailing address?(Required)
Site Address(Required)
If the project will be located at a different address than the mailing address.

Operation Details

I am a farmer as identified in M.G.L. 128, Sec. 1. A.(Required)
Please enter a number from 1600 to 2026.
Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
Is the property leased?(Required)
Do you have the lease in writing?(Required)
Are you Historically Underserved Farmer?

Marketing

Estimated Annual Gross Sales(Required)
Provide your best estimate of your total sales before subtracting any costs or expenses. This is the total amount of money your farm or business brings in from all products in a year.
Percentage On-Farm Agricultural Production(Required)
The approximate percentage of your organization's annual operating revenue generated from on-farm agricultural production.
Is the applicant's primary income from the sales of the operation's agricultural products?(Required)
Select “Yes” only if the majority of the farm owner(s)’ personal income comes directly from products produced on this farm. Do not select “Yes” if your operation's farm sales are supplemental to another main source of income (such as from a non-profit or educational program).

Other Programs

Does your operation have an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR)?(Required)
An APR is deed restriction that permanently protects agricultural land by preventing it from being used for non-agricultural purposes, while allowing it to be farmed and sold for agricultural use.
Will the proposed project be implemented on the APR?(Required)
Has APR staff been contacted to determine if the project needs a Certificate of Approval (COA)?(Required)
Does the project need approval from the APR program?(Required)
Please enter a number from 1900 to 2026.
Does your operation have a Conservation Plan from Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS)?(Required)
A Conservation Plan is a voluntary, written record developed with the landowner/operator that describes the land and resources, identifies natural resource concerns, and documents decisions to address those concerns through the application of conservation practices and management. It includes a schedule for implementation and is based on the landowner’s objectives.
A copy of the entire plan is not required.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Please enter a number from 1900 to 2026.
    Produce Registration Status (if applicable)(Required)
    Have you applied to other grant programs for costs associated with this project?(Required)
    Name(s) of other grant programs applied to:(Required)
    Have you received any MDAR grants in the past 5 years?(Required)
    Previous MDAR Grant Funding:(Required)
    List any MDAR grants received in the past 5 years.
    Program Name
    Year
    Award Amount
    Project
    Completion Status
     
    Have you experienced any barriers in accessing past MDAR grant programs?
    Examples may include limited access to land, capital, markets, information about grant programs, language barriers, or other challenges.

    Proposal Details

    Provide a brief overview (1–2 paragraphs) of your cranberry operation, including the scale of production, how your crop is marketed or distributed, and any key operational characteristics that define your business.
    Organizational Capacity & Team Members(Required)
    List individuals involved implementing grant-funded projects. Include both internal staff and any known contractors who will be involved in implementing the proposed project(s).
    Name
    Role
    Relevant Experience
    Responsibilities
     
    Explain how you will cover upfront costs and any required cash contribution prior to reimbursement. Include any available bank letters, lines of credit, or other documentation.
    Do you have documentation to verify balance of funding?(Required)
    Optional. Applicants should include balance of funding needed to implement the proposed project by providing bank credit reference letters, line of credit reference letters, demonstration of other non-state grant funds for the project, or an executed loan.
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 50 MB.

      Project Area & Category:

      Select the Project Area and Project Category you are applying to. Applicants may apply to multiple project areas. Project details must be completed for each project area selected.
      Project Area(Required)
      Select the Project Category you are applying to. Applicants may apply to both project categories. Project details must be completed for each project category selected.

      Cranberry Renovation

      Describe the current condition of the bog or acreage and how it is impacting production, efficiency, or environmental performance. Explain why this bog is being prioritized for renovation (if multiple bogs exist), and describe what would happen if the renovation were not completed.
      Select all that apply:(Required)
      Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
      Describe the proposed renovation project including the design and installation and how it will result in a completed bog renovation. Explain how the project follows relevant UMass Cranberry Station Best Management Practices (BMPs) for renovations. (Include any installation, layouts, or plans as attachments)
      Project Goals(Required)
      List the project-specific goals you expect to achieve by completing this project. Focus on the direct results of the work being done. Do not include long-term benefits here.

      Renovation Details

      Are you renovating any additional acreage outside the proposed acreage for this grant?(Required)

      Project Impacts

      Environmental and Operation Impacts:(Required)
      Check all that apply.
      Describe any measurable environmental improvements expected from this project.
      Project Timeline(Required)
      Provide project specific timeline from project start to completion.
      Start Date
      Milestone
      Completion Date
       
      Does this project require any local, state, or federal permits or approvals?(Required)
      Include the type of permit and the status (obtained, in progress, not yet started).
      Describe how the renovated bog will be managed and maintained following project completion. Include who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance, any anticipated changes to current management practices, and how the renovation will support long-term productivity, water management, and overall function of the bog.
      Upload your completed Cranberry Renovation Budget Template, available on the Cranberry Renovation website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 50 MB.
        Upload all vendor or contractor quotes for the proposed cranberry renovation.
        Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 50 MB.

          Cranberry Enhancement

          Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
          Describe the project you are proposing, including what is to be purchased and installed, how it will be used in your operation, and what part of your operation it will support. For equipment, describe specifically how it will be used during cranberry production, including typical annual uses, production activities supported, number of acres served, and why existing equipment cannot perform the same functions. Explain why the size/capacity of the proposed equipment is appropriate for your operation.
          Explain why this project is needed at this time. Describe the current system, equipment, or process being used (if applicable), the limitations or challenges you are experiencing, and what would happen if the project were not implemented.
          Are you applying for equipment?(Required)

          Existing Equipment

          Proposed Equipment

          What will happen to the equipment being replaced?(Required)

          Project Goals(Required)
          List the project-specific goals you expect to achieve by completing this project. Focus on the direct results of the work being done. Do not include long-term benefits here.
          Describe the expected impacts of the project, including measurable improvements to production, efficiency, environmental performance, or operational outcomes. Explain how these impacts will be evaluated.
          Project Timeline(Required)
          Provide project specific timeline from project start to completion.
          Start Date
          Milestone
          Completion Date
           
          Does this project require any local, state, or federal permits or approvals?(Required)
          Include the type of permit and the status (obtained, in progress, not yet started).
          Describe how the project will be maintained, who will maintain it, expected useful life, storage location (for equipment) and confirm any manufacturer warranties included with equipment.
          Upload your completed Cranberry Enhancement Budget Template, available on the Cranberry Renovation and Enhancement website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
          Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 50 MB.
            Upload all vendor or contractor quotes for the proposed Cranberry Enhancement Project.
            Drop files here or
            Max. file size: 50 MB.

              Amount Requested:

              The combined total cost of all proposed projects, including both the amount requested from MDAR and your match. This must equal the sum of all project budget areas.
              The total grant funding requested from MDAR for all project areas. This may not exceed 80% of the Total Project Costs or the $175,000 maximum award.
              Please enter a number from 0 to 175000.
              The total contribution you will pay toward the projects. This must be at least 20% of the Total Project Costs.

              Additional Supporting Documentation:

              Map or aerial photo with the property boundaries drawn and the exact location of the project(s).
              Drop files here or
              Max. file size: 50 MB.
                Optional: Design drawings, layouts, or installation plans that provide additional detail on the proposed renovation or enhancement project.
                Drop files here or
                Max. file size: 50 MB.
                  Do you have any additional files to upload?(Required)
                  Drop files here or
                  Max. file size: 50 MB.

                    Attestation:

                    Consent(Required)
                    By checking this box, you attest all statements herein are accurate and true. In addition, you give permission to have a site visit by MDAR staff which may be necessary before a funding decision is made. All site visits will be arranged with you in advance.
                    Print Name(Required)
                    Date(Required)