FY27 MDAR GRANT- Cranberry Renovation + Enhancement Program

The FY27 MDAR GRANT for the Cranberry Renovation + Enhancement Program is a state-administered grant opportunity under the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, aimed at supporting cranberry producers in renovating existing bogs or enhancing operational capacity through new equipment and infrastructure. The solicitation, issued under number BD-27-1002-1003-001-131116 on July 6, 2026, with a deadline for responses on August 20, 2026, is open to Massachusetts-based entities operating cranberry farms, with eligibility determined by size and socioeconomic criteria. Applicants must meet specific thresholds for small business status, including being in business for at least one year, having fewer than 50 full-time employees or 26,000 annual labor hours, and reporting average gross revenue under $15 million over the past three years. Socioeconomic certifications such as MBE, WBE, VBE, SDVOBE, DOBE, and LGBTBE are recognized under the Supplier Diversity Program, and applicants must commit to spending a portion of award funds with certified diverse vendors. Projects are categorized as either renovation, requiring full upgrade of existing bogs with a maximum funding of $125,000, or enhancement, involving equipment installation or system upgrades capped at $50,000, with a combined funding limit of $175,000 per applicant. Performance under the grant must be completed and invoiced no later than June 30, 2027, with no extensions permitted, and work is conducted on the applicant’s cranberry operation site within Massachusetts, subject to final inspection and acceptance by the Department at the project location. Reimbursement is strictly post-performance and requires submission of detailed documentation including receipts, itemized invoices, and proof of compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Equipment must be new, commercially available, installed according to manufacturer specifications, and covered by at least a one-year warranty. Funding is contingent upon availability of appropriations, and any suspension of funds halts work without compensation. Applicants must contribute at least 20% of renovation costs through cash or approved in-kind contributions, and all proposal costs are borne by the bidder. Special requirements include HIPAA compliance if handling protected health information, adherence to nutrition standards for food-related procurements, prohibition on use of the Commonwealth seal, and mandatory public records disclosure—no confidentiality claims are honored