Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund

Governor Healey has set up the MA Farm Resiliency Fund in partnership with the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) with the intention of both responding to the recent storm impact in western and central Mass, as well as having long-term potential to respond to how climate is affecting our farms. United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region is supporting this effort at the local level, where much of the effects of recent storms have been felt.

 The Fund will support:

• Farmers and their families and their livelihood affected by natural disasters;

• Crops – the food that is grown locally that provides nourishment;

• Children and Families, Seniors, Veterans – who use Food Banks and local food pantries to combat hunger and work toward food security;

• The economy – of the region and the state. There are 7,241 farms in Massachusetts, comprising 491,653 acres and employing 25,920 people. These farms generate $475,000,000 for the Massachusetts economy.

State and government officials, philanthropic partners and private foundations have joined together to raise significant dollars to aid farmers affected by these devastating losses due to severe weather. To ensure farmers can recover as quickly as possible, all funds will be distributed rapidly through a deliberate selection process.