Step 1 of 7 - Agricultural Operation Information

14%

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.
Type of Operation:(Required)

Is the property leased?(Required)
Do you have the lease in writing?(Required)
Are you Historically Underserved Farmer?

Marketing

How are your products marketed?(Required)
Percentage of total sales through wholesale channels.
Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
Percentage of total sales direct to consumers.
Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
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.
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 description of your agricultural operation, operation size, production activities, markets, existing infrastructure, and current operational challenges. If applicable, describe the role that agricultural production plays within your overall business or organizational model, including how farm production contributes to operating revenue.
    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 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.
    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 Area(s) and Project Category you are applying to. Applicants may apply to multiple project areas. Project details must be completed for each project area selected.

      Food Safety

      Type of Operation:(Required)
      Check all commodities your operation grows:(Required)
      Activity Type(s):(Required)
      Select all that apply.
      Have you participated in a Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) training course?(Required)
      Date of Course(Required)
      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 50 MB.
        My operation has received an audit/inspection from MDAR's Produce Safety Team?(Required)
        Date of Audit/Inspection:(Required)
        Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 50 MB.
          Is your proposed project the result of a concern identified by MDAR's Produce Safety Staff?(Required)
          Do you have HACCP certification?(Required)
          Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 50 MB.
            Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
            Describe the proposed project and the specific problem or need it addresses, including the current condition or challenge and the proposed solution (what you will install, construct, or purchase).
            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 anticipated measurable outcomes of the project. The impacts should reflect the changes that will result from the project and be quantifiable where possible. Include metrics or estimates where available. Do not repeat the project goals.
            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 operated and maintained after completion, including ongoing responsibilities, expected lifespan, and any applicable warranties, service agreements, or guarantees.
            Upload your completed Produce Safety Budget Template, available on the CSAP website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
            Drop files here or
            Max. file size: 50 MB.

              Compost

              Is the primary purpose of your compost operation to handle manure generated from your farm?(Required)
              Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
              Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
              Compostable Materials:(Required)
              Identify the materials you compost. Specify type of material, source of the material, rate of accumulation, and estimated total quantity in tons or cubic yards
              Material
              Source of Material
              Rate of Accumulation
              Total Quantity per Year
               
              Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
              Describe the proposed project and the specific problem or need it addresses, including the current condition or challenge and the proposed solution (what you will install, construct, or purchase).
              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 anticipated measurable outcomes of the project. The impacts should reflect the changes that will result from the project and be quantifiable where possible. Include metrics or estimates where available. Do not repeat the project goals.
              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 operated and maintained after completion, including ongoing responsibilities, expected lifespan, and any applicable warranties, service agreements, or guarantees.
              Upload your completed Compost Budget Template, available on the CSAP website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
              Drop files here or
              Max. file size: 50 MB.

                Environmental

                Are you applying for equipment?(Required)
                What type of equipment are you applying for?(Required)

                Equipment details and cost:(Required)
                Equipment (example: no-till drill)
                Make/Model (example: Esch 5612)
                Equipment Use (example: cover crops)
                Total Cost (example: $43,900)
                 
                How many acres in MA do you anticipate using this equipment on each of the following seasons?(Required)
                For multiple pieces of equipment, enter an additional line.
                2026
                2027
                2028
                2029
                2030
                2031
                 
                Have you operated this type of equipment before?(Required)
                Are you working with technical assistance providers on using this equipment for conservation practices?(Required)
                Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
                Describe the proposed project and the specific problem or need it addresses, including the current condition or challenge and the proposed solution (what you will install, construct, or purchase).
                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 anticipated measurable outcomes of the project. The impacts should reflect the changes that will result from the project and be quantifiable where possible. Include metrics or estimates where available. Do not repeat the project goals.
                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 operated and maintained after completion, including ongoing responsibilities, expected lifespan, and any applicable warranties, service agreements, or guarantees.
                Upload your completed Environmental Budget Template, available on the CSAP website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
                Drop files here or
                Max. file size: 50 MB.

                  Energy

                  What type of energy project are you applying for?(Required)
                  Energy Audit/Assessment(Required)
                  Have you had an energy audit or technical assessment for this project?
                  Drop files here or
                  Max. file size: 50 MB.
                    Drop files here or
                    Max. file size: 50 MB.
                      What is your current annual energy cost for the part of the farm this project will affect? Use your most recent 12 months of utility bills if available. If not sure, give best estimate.
                      Energy Costs:(Required)
                      How much will this project reduce your annual energy cost?
                      Where did this estimate come from?(Required)

                      Do you have detailed energy savings?(Required)
                      Enter type of fuel and unit.

                      Payback Period

                      Total cost of this energy project (from your project budget).

                      Step 2 - Other Funding:

                      Enter any incentives or grant funding you expect to receive for this project. Leave blank if none.
                      Mass Save or Other
                      USDA Funding
                      Any other funding
                      Source of additional funds.
                      Project cost after other funding. This is your total project cost minus the funding listed above.
                      The amount you are requesting for this section of the CSAP grant.
                      Do you have separate documentation for CO2 calculations?(Required)
                      Optional. If quantification of equivalent CO2 greenhouse gas savings calculations is included in a separate document, upload it here.
                      Drop files here or
                      Max. file size: 50 MB.
                        Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
                        Describe the proposed project and the specific problem or need it addresses, including the current condition or challenge and the proposed solution (what you will install, construct, or purchase).
                        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 anticipated measurable outcomes of the project. The impacts should reflect the changes that will result from the project and be quantifiable where possible. Include metrics or estimates where available. Do not repeat the project goals.
                        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 operated and maintained after completion, including ongoing responsibilities, expected lifespan, and any applicable warranties, service agreements, or guarantees.
                        Upload your completed Energy Budget Template, available on the CSAP website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
                        Drop files here or
                        Max. file size: 50 MB.

                          All Applicants

                          Timeline Understanding:(Required)
                          How will your proposed project(s) contribute to the long-term sustainability of your agricultural operation? How will these impacts be measured? This section should not repeat the project goals or short-term impacts above. Instead, describe how the benefits will continue over the useful life of the project and how you will track performance in future years.
                          If submitting under multiple project areas, rank the priority projects (1 = highest).

                          Amount Requested:

                          The combined total cost of all proposed projects, including both the amount requested from MDAR and your cash 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 $150,000 maximum award.
                          Please enter a number from 0 to 150000.
                          The total cash contribution you will pay toward the projects. This must be at least 20% of the Total Project Costs. In-kind services, labor, donated materials, loans for the grant portion, or other state grant funds cannot be used as match.

                          Additional Supporting Documentation:

                          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)