The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource

Assistance Available:

• Technical
• Financial
• Business Planning
• Newsletter

Description:
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR’s) mission is to promote and enhance the long-term viability of Massachusetts agriculture with the aim of helping the Commonwealth’s agricultural businesses become as economically and environmentally sound as possible.  MDAR implements policies that encourage a comprehensive vision of the future, advancing the principles of sustainable development. 

Direct technical and marketing assistance is available through the Farm Viability Enhancement Program (617.627.1725, includes financial assistance), Agri-Tourism (617.626.1759), and Agricultural Directional Signage Program (617.626.1759).  Financial Assistance is available through the Agricultural Marketing Grant Program (617.626.1750), the Agro Environmental Enhancement Program (617.626.1772), the Agro Environmental Technology Grant Program (617.626.1772), the Farmers Market Coupon Program (617.626.1754), Export Marketing Programs (617.626.1753), and the Farm Energy Discount Program (617.626.1702).  The Agricultural Business Training Program (413.577.0459) offers business planning assistance.  Newsletters include the monthly Farm & Market Report(617.626.1752), the quarterly APR News (508.792.7712), and the bi-annual Pesticide Newsletter (617.626.1700). 
Program contacts:

• Commissioner’s Office – Douglas P. Gillepsie, Commissioner (617.626.1701)
• Division of Agricultural Development – Mary Jordan, Director (617.626.1750)
                  Includes:
                  Bureau of Agricultural Fairs – Ellen Hart (617.626.1742)
                  Bureau of Land Use – Christine Chisholm, APR (617.626.1751)
                  Bureau of Markets – David Webber (617.626.1754)

                        -Also Farmers’ Market Program, including state Directory

• Division of Regulatory Services – Brad Mitchell, Director (617.626.1771)
                  Includes:
                  Bureau of Farm Products and Plant Industries – Robert Rondeau (617.626.1804)
                  Bureau of Pesticides – Huang Vo-Phuong (617.626.1818)
• Division of Animal Health and Dairy Sciences – Brad Mitchell, Director (617.626.1771)

                Includes:
                Bureau of Dairying
                Bureau of Milk Marketing
                Bureau of Animal Health
                Equine Activities

• Mosquito Reclamation Board – Donna Mitchell (617.626.1715)
• Farm Viability Enhancement Program – Craig Richov (617.626.1725)
• Aquaculture Development Program – Scott Soares (617.626.1730)
• Agricultural Business Training Program – Rick Chandler (413.577.0459)