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.
Three Year Requirement
Type of Operation:(Required)

List the type of operation
Is the property leased?(Required)
Do you have the lease in writing?(Required)
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Max. file size: 20 MB, Max. files: 1.
    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)
    Approximately what percentage of your organization's annual operating revenue is generated from on-farm agricultural production (e.g. sales of crops, livestock, aquaculture sales, etc.)
    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.
    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 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 of your agricultural operation. Describe your primary agricultural products or commodities, general scale of production, and how those products are marketed or sold. Include any other information that would help reviewers understand the nature of your agricultural operation. Do not describe the proposed grant project in this section. Project-specific information will be requested later in the application.
    Explain how the operation can cover upfront expenses and the 20% match for the project(s). 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.
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    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 ONE Project Area that best describes the primary purpose of your proposed project. Then select all eligible project components included in your funding request.
      Soil Health & Reduce Tillage
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Water Conservation & Irrigation Efficiency
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Water Collection, Storage & Reuse
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Nutrient Management
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Manure Management
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Livestock Management & Water Quality Protection
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Agricultural Energy Efficiency & Emissions Reduction
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply
      Extreme Heat Protection
      Eligible Project Components – Select ALL that apply

      Project Details

      Provide a short name for your project. Example: Conversion to Drip Irrigation and Automated Irrigation Management
      Project Component Table:
      Project Component
      Quantity
      How it'll be used as part of the project:
       
      Describe the current practice, condition, equipment, or system that the project will address. Explain why a change is needed and what will be different after the proposed project is completed.
      Environmental / Resilience Benefit
      How will the project and resulting management change or improve environmental performance or climate resilience on your agricultural operation. Select all that apply:
      List other benefit(s).
      Explain how the proposed project will result in the benefits selected above:
      Measurable Outcomes:(Required)
      Identify the most important measurable results expected from the project. Provide the current condition and expected condition after completion. Use quantities whenever available, such as acres, gallons, energy use, number of animals, percentage reductions, or another measure appropriate to the project.
      Measure (example: Acres under no-till):
      Current Condition (example: 0 acres):
      Expected Condition After Project (Example: 45 acres annually):
       
      Are you applying for equipment?

      Existing Equipment 

      Proposed Equipment 

      What will happen to the equipment being replaced:

      Project Readiness

      Have you selected the equipment/materials you intend to purchase?
      Are the equipment/materials currently commercially available?
      Have you confirmed expected availability/delivery with the vendor?
      Will professional installation be required?
      If yes, has an installer/contractor been identified?
      Does the project require any permit, approval, utility approval, engineering, or other authorization before it can be installed?

      Timeline

      Provide the anticipated date for each project step. If a step does not apply to your project, leave it blank. All projects must be fully completed and invoiced by June 30, 2027.
      Describe how the funded project will be operated and maintained after installation. Identify who will be responsible and any routine maintenance, training, servicing, or other actions necessary to keep the project functioning as intended.

      Amount Requested:

      The combined total cost of all proposed projects, including both the amount requested from MDAR and your cash match.
      The total grant funding requested from MDAR. This may not exceed 80% of the Total Project Costs or the $50,000 maximum award.
      Please enter a number from 0 to 50000.
      The total cash contribution you will pay toward the project. This must be at least 20% of the Total Project Costs. In-kind services, labor, donated materials, loans for the grant portion, or other grant funds cannot be used as match.

      Additional Supporting Documentation:

      Upload a completed project budget. A template is available on the CSAP website.
      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 20 MB, Max. files: 1.
        Upload all vendor or contractor quotes for the proposed project(s).
        Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 50 MB.
          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.
            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)