WHATELY, Mass. — In recognition of Earth Week, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton joined Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Deputy Commissioner Dan Burgess for a tour of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at Nourse Farms in Whately. Nourse Farms is a family-owned fruit farm that has invested in state-of-the art technologies such as condensing boilers, thermal curtain projects, natural ventilation, rainwater collection, and three large-scale, Dutch style open roof, gutter-connected greenhouses, supported by a $15,000 grant from MDAR’s Agricultural Energy Grant Program in 2015.
“Earth Week provides a great opportunity to highlight the innovative environmental accomplishments of farms like Nourse Farms, and the many resources the Commonwealth offers farmers to become more sustainable and reduce their energy usage and emissions,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “As our farmers work hard every day to produce healthy food, the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to the long-term viability of agriculture goes hand-and-hand with building a strong, resilient future in preparation for the impacts of climate change.”
“Nourse Farms’ investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability technologies are an excellent model for progress in both agricultural and environmental sustainability,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Support from programs such as Agricultural Energy Grant Program provides growers and producers the opportunity to address energy issues on their farms and in-turn furthers the Commonwealth’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Utilizing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies on Nourse Farms is a win-win for the community and the Commonwealth,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “These projects will not only help Massachusetts meet its clean energy and greenhouse gas goals, but will also reduce the farm’s energy costs.”
In partnership with DOER, MDAR’s Agricultural Energy Grant Program provides construction funds for projects that develop alternative energy and energy efficient systems on farms. In fiscal year 2018, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded 38 Agricultural Energy Grants totaling $908,259 to Massachusetts farmers to implement renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency on farms. These farms are projected to save over $200,000 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by over 660 tons each year. Since 2009, the Agricultural Energy Grant Program has awarded grants to 240 projects statewide, providing growers and producers more than $3.8 million to address energy issues on their farms.
The Agricultural Energy Grant Program is one of several programs within MDAR’s Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance (DACTA), provides technical assistance, training, conservation, and funding to promote economically viable and environmentally sound agricultural practices in Massachusetts.
–Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
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