WESTFIELD-Connie and John Adams of Yellow Stonehouse Farm are “excited” about the news they received Tuesday morning from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture Program.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced on Tuesday matching grants totaling $55,550 to help beginning farmers grow or improve their farm operations. In addition to the Yellow Stonehouse Farm, five farms in the towns of Amherst, Berkley, Montague, Sunderland and Swansea will receive grants along with business and technical assistance.
Yellow Stonehouse Farm CSA members enjoy a potluck supper last summer outside of the 1840 barn.
“The state does a lot for farmers and this type of program showcases their commitment to helping us succeed,” said Connie Adams.
The Adams will receive $10,000 from the state which will be used for its 1840 barn which was originally used as part of a dairy operation.
“Our plan is to make immediate structural repairs to the barn, as well as improve its weather tightness,” said Adams.
Through the matching enterprise grants program, participating farmers receive individual business assistance for their proposed projects, after which they become eligible to receive a grant of up to $10,000 that they match dollar for dollar. This round of grants will support projects including a mushroom expansion project, barn repairs along with farm and hay equipment, grain storage, a livestock trailer and animal housing.
“Our administration is committed to supporting new farmers and their valuable contributions to the state and regional food systems,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. “New farmers bring innovative ideas and enthusiasm to the agricultural industry and this program helps ensure a sustainable future for Massachusetts farmers.”
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito echoed those sentiments.
“Grants to new and beginning farmers will help fund the purchase of equipment and infrastructure necessary to help sustain viable agricultural businesses,” said Polito. “We commend the six farmers receiving funding and their aspirations to develop their farms into commercially successful operations that provide fresh, healthy food to Massachusetts residents.”
While the 1840 barn has stood the test of time, Adams notes that she could make a long list of other improvements, including replacing the siding and windows.
“We have made improvements over the years including fixing clapboards and reinforcing beams,” she said, adding that a new roof was also a costly undertaking. “We are very pleased to have been nominated for the grant and grateful for the opportunity to continue with our farm and barn repairs and improvements.”
Adams noted that with the 2017 winter season already underway, the farm now marks its sixth season operating as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
“Our winter share program has been a success by distributing a variety of root vegetables including carrots, potatoes, turnips, parsnips and butternut squash,” she said, adding that last week she was also able to dig up Jerusalem artichokes.
“Jerusalem artichokes are a really cool native vegetable that taste like a combination of a potato and artichoke and are ideal to roast or to add to soups,” she said.
Also new for this year’s bounty will be herbs and spice mixes for patrons of CSA shares.
“For Thanksgiving we offered a poultry seasoning mix and we look forward to creating more for our CSA members,” she said.
State Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington, congratulated each of the farms selected for their initiative and commitment to building viable and sustainable agricultural business.
“I am also grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting agriculture as an important sector of our state’s rural economy,” said Kulik in a statement.
