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.
Type of Operation:(Required)

Is the property leased?(Required)
Do you have the lease in writing?(Required)

Operational Details

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 agircultural 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).
Certify
Certify

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 2025.
Produce Registration Status (if applicable)(Required)
If you are a produce grower have you registered with the Produce Safety Program?
Have you applied to other grant programs for costs associated with this project?(Required)
Name(s) of other grant programs applied to:(Required)
Previous MDAR Grant Funding:
List any MDAR grants received in the past 5 years.
Program Name
Year
Award Amount
Project Summary
Completion Status
 

Proposal Details

Provide a brief overview (1–2 paragraphs) of your agricultural operation, including scale of production, primary products, and confirmation of active commercial production.
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
 
Briefly describe any prior experience completing equipment purchases, infrastructure upgrades, or grant-funded projects on your farm.
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.
Confirmation of Financial Capacity
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 that best fits your proposal.
    Short descriptive title of what is being applied for.
    Clearly describe the equipment or system being purchased or upgraded, the operational issue it addresses, and why it is installation-ready. Include make/model (or system type), if the item is in-stock or the lead time, where it will be installed, and what currently exists that this replaces or improves.
    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.
    Date
    Milestone
    Completion Date
     
    Is your project ready to begin upon award?(Required)
    Has the vendor confirmed availability and delivery timeline consistent with completion by June 30th, 2026?(Required)
    Does this project require any local, state, or federal permits or approvals?(Required)
    If yes, this project is not eligible under the program.
    Describe how the equipment will be maintained, who will maintain it, expected useful life, storage location (for seasonal equipment) and confirm any manufacturer warranties included with equipment.
    Upload your completed Budget Template, available on the Farm Readiness website, ensuring all required fields and calculations are fully completed before submission.
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 50 MB.

      Amount Requested:

      The total cost of the proposed project from your completed Budget, including both the amount requested from MDAR and your cash match.
      The total grant funding requested from MDAR for all project areas. 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 Cost. 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.
      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.
          Must demonstrate site control for a minimum of five years from the date of application and authorize the proposed project. (If the project is not on land owned by the applicant)
          Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 50 MB.
            Do you have any additional files to upload?
            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.
              Timeline Understanding:(Required)