The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources released an additional
$5.5 million in Food Security Infrastructure Grants on September 30th. This marks the third round of grant announcements in the $36 million program, which funds food infrastructure improvements such as increased harvest storage capacity, produce wash stations, refrigeration, and delivery vehicles.
About one-third of all 1,353 applications were submitted within the last two days of the deadline on Sept. 15—more applications than any other state program at any point. The unexpected volume of applications has slowed the review process. Currently, rounds four and five are being reviewed together, with an expected total of eight rounds in all. The October 15th deadline will extend to the later part of November. All applications will receive a response either way.
The Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture understand the delayed review process will make for a tight timeline for farmers finishing their projects by the original June 2021 deadline. Farmers who succeed in getting a grant and have issues completing their projects by the original timeline may request extensions on their projects until June 2023. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Successful grants will have to go through the contracting process with the Commonwealth. Remember: no money can be spent on the project until you have a fully executed contract.