Business Resources for Those Starting to Farm or for an Existing Farm
There are many agricultural resources for beginning and existing farmers in Massachusetts. Use these links below (or in the left bar) to find specific resources for starting a farm or for an existing farm in Massachusetts.
Starting to Plan
Where to Go for Help
Organizations, agencies available to help people interested in starting a farm in Massachusetts.
Finding Land for Farming
Organizations that provide assistance for finding land for farming in Massachusetts and other resources for finding farmland.
Farm Business Planning
Resources for farm business planning.
Finances and Taxes
Financing Options for Beginning a Farm
Organizations for financing options if you are starting a farm in Massachusetts.
Budgets
Examples of budgets for vegetables and greenhouse crops, resources for other budgets and creating your own.
Income/Property Taxes
Where to go for information on income taxes and property taxes for farms in Massachusetts.
Collecting Sales Tax
Where to go for information on collecting sales tax in Massachusetts including farm products exempt from sales tax.
Regulations and Laws
Land Use Regulations and Taxation
Resources for land use regulations and land use taxation including Chapter 61A for farmers in Massachusetts.
Water Regulations
Information on the Water Management Act and Zone II regulations.
Pesticide Regulations
Regulations for using pesticides on farms in Massachusetts.
Other Regulations
Other regulations for those looking to farm in Massachusetts.
Labor Laws
Where to go for information on labor laws in Massachusetts and a publication on labor regulations for farmers.
Zoning
Where to go for information on zoning regulations for farmers in Massachusetts.
Other Resources
Crop Insurance and Disaster Assistance
Where to go for information on crop insurance and disaster assistance for farms in Massachusetts.
Agricultural Marketing/Promotion Organizations in Massachusetts for Farmers
Resources for agricultural marketing (farmers markets, roadside stands, "blue" highway signs, local market groups) and promotion organizations in Massachusetts for farmers.
Organic Certification and Farming
Information on organic certification and resources for organic farming.
Food Safety
Information on "Good Agricultural Practices", resources for safe food handling and food safety regulations.
Government Agencies
Information about United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies, Department of Environmental Protection and others.
Other Agricultural Organizations in Massachusetts
Links to many agricultural associations and non-profit organizations the serve farmers in Massachusetts.
