Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

MDAR has launched the Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture, a financial assistance program for farmers who have suffered crop losses from certain natural disasters that have occurred in 2023. The program is funded through a $20 million appropriation from the Massachusetts legislature and Governor Healey. The application process is now open, and farmers are invited to apply.

What makes a farm eligible?

• Farm must be a commercial operation selling products to wholesale or direct to consumer markets.
• Farm must have been established prior to 2023.
• Farm must have suffered at least 15% acreage crop loss from one or more of the three identified natural disasters in 2023: February 3-5 deep freeze; May 17-18 frost; or July 9-16 rainfall and flooding.

What information will applicants have to submit?

• Farm must complete an online application, detailing financial losses.
• Applications must include a map or aerial photo indicating the location of losses.
• Farmers suffering crop losses on leased land must include lease agreement.
• Applicants must include an Agricultural Loss Details & Budget Form that is available on the website.

What resources will be made available?

• Payments will be determined based upon the collective amount of all requests in relation to available funding.
• The maximum funding available to any single applicant is $350,000.

Complete online submission details at Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture. Applications must be received by MDAR by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023.

A webinar will be held on 9/8/2023 at 9:00 a.m. to allow potential applicants to ask questions. Questions and answers from that session will be posted online following the event to provide further guidance for applicants. Register for the webinar here.