In this Guide to Finding, Assessing, and Securing Farmland in Massachusetts, written in Plain Language, you will learn about:
•Determining the right kind of farmland for you
•Deciding what type of land tenure situation is right for you
•Starting the networking process
•Conducting farmland site visits
•Understanding your land by using the Web Soil Survey and other online information tools
•Negotiating with landowners and signing an agreement to use the land
•Beginning to farm your land!
Esta guía es un recurso diseñado para acompañar a agricultores actuales y futuros en cada paso del desarrollo y gestión de sus negocios agrícolas. Desde la educación inicial hasta el acceso a mercados, la guía ofrece herramientas prácticas y conocimientos esenciales para establecer y mantener operaciones agrícolas exitosas, sostenibles y resilientes.
La guía inicia con una exploración de recursos educativos diseñados para ayudar a los agricultores a desarrollar habilidades esenciales, seguida de estrategias prácticas para identificar terrenos adecuados y construir la infraestructura nece
saria. También aborda temas fundamentales como el acceso a financiamiento, la gestión de riesgos y la contratación de seguros, proporcionando una base sólida para el desarrollo de negocios agrícolas. Además, se destacan las normativas ambientales, la sostenibilidad y el cumplimiento legal, ofreciendo información detallada sobre el manejo responsable de pesticidas, la regulación de vehículos agrícolas y la mitigación del impacto ambiental, promoviendo prácticas agrícolas responsables y sostenibles.
En el área empresarial, se abordan la planificación estratégica, la gestión financiera y el manejo de registros, así como temas fiscales, fijación de precios y desarrollo de mercados especializados para aumentar la rentabilidad de
los productos agrícolas.
Finalmente, el material ofrece recursos valiosos sobre oportunidades de subvenciones, el papel de la mujer en la agricultura, y estrategias para enfrentar el cambio climático. Con esta guía, los agricultores estarán mejor preparados para maximizar sus oportunidades y adaptarse a los desafíos del sector.
Este material se basa en el trabajo respaldado por el USDA/NIFA con número de adjudicación A0212501X443G006, subrayando el compromiso de brindar apoyo a la comunidad agrícola y fortalecer los sistemas alimentarios.
The Safety Net Resources - Fact Sheet is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Value Added Producer Grant, Farm Loan by FAS, services available at NRCS USDA, tips for success from farmers.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
To a beginning farmer, the project of establishing a working farm at a new site can feel overwhelming. Depending on what resources already exist at the property, the task of identifying, prioritizing, and paying for needed improvements can be a difficult road to cultivate productive farmland.
This tool is designed to help a farmer who is considering establishing a farm at a new site to examine the scope of improvements the site may require, to prioritize which upgrades should be made, and to identify various organizations and funding sources that might offer advice and/or financing for farm-related improvements. Beginning with a section about selecting a farm enterprise, this resource then addresses Land Access, Utilities and Energy, Structures, and Equipment.
This tool is designed with farmers in Massachusetts specifically in mind, but many of the elements considered are applicable to farmers in other states, as many of the MA-based organizations and resources have parallels in other states as well. Each section below will include 1) Key Considerations and Questions, 2) Resources, and 3) Contacts related to that section, and some sections will also have 4) Financing information as well.
This is not an exhaustive list of key considerations and resources associated with starting or improving a farm on a new site. Hopefully the information provided will prove valuable to farmers as they undertake the important and demanding work of creating the conditions by which a property can generate value for the community and provide a sustainable income for the producer.
The Bookkeeping for Farmers webinar is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
The slide deck include visuals, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding of the topic.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Breakeven Analysis and Scenario Planning for Farming Operations fact sheet is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: income statement, breakeven analysis, scenario planning and additional resources.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
This Risk Management and Capitalization Decision Tool features detailed farmer case studies to demonstrate successfully leveraged grant and loan programs for farm startup. Illustrations and decision trees will guide producers to realistic timelines and investment planning. The publication was peer-reviewed by farmers and agency staff. Please take note of the following considerations:
The Funding Next Level Enterprises in Rural Communities Fact Sheet, is product of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Value Added Producer Grant, Rural Energy for America Program, U.S. Small Business Administration.
For additional information please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The MDAR Grants and Financial Assistance Programs Fact Sheet, is product of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: APR Improvement Programs (AIP), Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP), and Matching Enterprise Grants for Ag (MEGA) process and timelines, and other MDAR grants.
For additional information please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Unlocking MA Money for Your Farm: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Grants and Financial Assistance Programs webinar, is part of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.
In this webinar, instructors share knowledge/understanding of MDAR grants and funding programs for agricultural projects. Topics covered in the workshop include:
For additional information please reach us out at: nesfp@tufts.edu
