Background

We are in the midst of an exciting time in Massachusetts agriculture.  For the first time in many years, the number of farmers in our state is steadily increasing.  Our new farmers are working hard to gain the education, skills, training, and resources that they need to be successful.  The Commonwealth has many programs and resources that are useful to farmers, but it is sometimes hard for farmers to find what is right for them.  Here's where the Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts (BFN/Mass) comes in.

We are building BFN/Mass to be a collaborative group of farmers and farm service providers dedicated to beginning farmer success in Massachusetts.  SInce the fall of 2011, working groups have been creating this coordinated website and referral network to help beginning farmers in Massachusetts effectively find the information and services they need.  With this foundation, the network is now ready to expand the scope of its work to support beginning farmers in new ways.

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is coordinating BFN/Mass with help from the many project partners.  Financial support is provided from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Project Grant, #2010-49400-21765.