Where to Go for Help

Production and Pest Management Information from UMass Extension

A good place to begin is UMass Extension's directory of staff and programs published each year called the "Green Directory". It is available in pdf format below or for a hard copy, call (413) 545-0895, fax request to (413) 577-1620, or email greeninfo@umext.umass.edu. The Green Directory

Information from Other Sources:

Inclusion on this list is for information only and does not represent or imply an endorsement by UMass Extension or the University of Massachusetts Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. The Center is not responsible for any information on any of these sites.

USDA Farm Service Agency - Massachusetts

USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. 

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Sign-up for the Farm and Market Report to keep abreast of news in the industry. Lots of information here. See also Resources for Beginning Farmers on the MDAR website. Includes information on business training course and other workshops, land source links, finance and grant assistance, mentoring and job opportunities, MDAR marketing opportunities, rules and regulations.

Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts

Collaborative network of farmers and farm service partners. The website includes a searchable resource map for beginning farmers, a resource finder to guide beginning farmers through the resources, a referral network to answer questions, a calendar of beginning farmer events, and blog posts.

New England Small Farm Institute

Their website has a page called “Exploring the Small Farm Dream,” which offers worksheets to help decide if agriculture is the right path for you.

Northeast Beginning Farmers Project, Cornell University

See a map pinpointing programs throughout the northeast that can help beginning farmers on their “Who Can Help Me?” page.

New Farmer Hub offers tutorials, videos and links to people that can help you develop your farm plan.

Online video mentors (Cornell University Beginning Farmers website) talk about their experiences in starting a farm business, getting grants, becoming profitable and more.

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Tufts University

Click on Training Programs.

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service – Beginning Farmer
This is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology funded by USDA.