Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this standard bfrdp project…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this standard bfrdp project builds upon successful bfrdp grants (PD: kelly coleman, award 2016-03325-2009 & award 2020-70017-32420). Half (50%) of the budget will be dedicated to serving socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmers (0% for military veterans). The lead agency (cisa) will manage this state-wide project through an established network of four collaborating agricultural community-based organizations (cbos): berkshire grown, central mass grown, northeast harvest, and southeastern MA agricultural partnership. 82% of federal funds will go to cbos. Our long-range goal for this project is to improve the sustainability of beginning farm businesses in massachusetts by providing tailored technical assistance to at least 600 beginning farmers in the following topic areas: priorities 1-7 and 14 (farming practices, succession strategies, entrepreneurship, land acquisition, financial and risk management, natural resource management, diversification and marketing strategies, and food safety and recordkeeping). Activities include 60 workshops, 21 networking events, and one-on-one assistance to 190 beginning farmers, plus detailed program evaluation. After participating, farmers will have access to on-going technical assistance and peer support through the collaborating organizations. Primary objectives are: 90% of participants (540/600) moderately increase knowledge in the areas of marketing, business planning, financial analysis, diversification, or natural resource management; 50% (300/600) implement a business change as a result of training; 45% (270/600) will meet or exceed their farm's financial goals; and 75% of participants (450/600) will confirm that participation contributed to their ability to keep farming. The success of these outcomes will improve the economy and food security of the region.