Massachusetts Farmers Face Financial Challenges as Federal Funding Cuts Loom
In a significant setback for local agriculture, two vital programs in Massachusetts—the Northeast Food for Schools (NFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program—will not receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this year. Last year, these programs provided approximately $12 million and $6.4 million, respectively, to support schools, nonprofits, and regional food distributors in their purchases of local produce. The lack of funding threatens the competitiveness of local farmers against larger, lower-priced farms in California and Florida.
Harrison Bardwell of Bardwell Farms in Hatfield anticipates a staggering loss of $200,000 in revenue, equating to a 30% drop in sales, due to these funding cuts. Much of his produce typically finds its way into local schools. Jason Yeagle, the nutrition director at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, has utilized NFS funds to procure higher-quality local produce. Yeagle cautions that while students will still receive vegetables, the quality and diversity will suffer markedly.
Shon Rainford, director of the Worcester Food Hub, notes that his organization distributed about $3 million of NFS-funded local produce last year and expects reduced activity this year, raising concerns about the ripple effects on farmers and families relying on affordable food.
The funding cuts arrive on the heels of reductions to the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, further compounding challenges for local agriculture. Representative Jim McGovern criticized the Trump administration’s actions, labeling the funding freeze and subsequent fallout as an attack on essential community support systems.
Farmers express deep commitment to feeding their communities, especially those in need, highlighting the integral role local food systems play in ensuring food security for future generations. The community rallied in support, voicing their concerns and calling for renewed federal investment in local agriculture.
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