Today marks a significant stride in the state’s response to recent flooding as the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM), distributes the inaugural round of checks through the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund. This fund, initiated in July, symbolizes a joint endeavor between philanthropic groups and private foundations. Its mission? To aid flood-affected farms in Central and Western Massachusetts and fortify farm resilience for the future.
However, this isn’t just about a few donations. Since its announcement, the fund has garnered a whopping $3 million from a diverse base of 657 donors, including individuals and businesses. Accordingly, the fund’s organizers intend to roll out checks in two phases for qualifying farmers.
United Way of Central Massachusetts Fund Distribution Details
To expedite the recovery process for farmers, funds will be disseminated in a two-phased rapid release system. During the initial phase last week, 214 farmers, each having crossed a specific loss threshold, were granted equal fund amounts. Meanwhile, the forthcoming second phase will allocate funds based on each farm’s individual needs and will be finalized later this season.
Governor Healey reflected on the fund’s significance, stating, The Lieutenant Governor and I have spent the last month traveling around the state and hearing directly from farmers about the devastation these rains have had on their livelihoods,” She added, “This fund will provide tremendous relief – both emotional and financial – to those farmers as they try to revitalize their crops and get their operations back on track. We are grateful to all the donors who have contributed to the fund and are proud of Team Massachusetts for coming together to help one another quickly and compassionately. We encourage any farmer who has experienced loss due to recent severe weather to apply for relief.”
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll emphasized the state’s reliance on these farmers, expressing gratitude for the fund’s swift accumulation. “We’re incredibly grateful that the Mass Farm Resiliency Fund has seen so many donations in such a short amount of time and is now in a place where we can start delivering relief to farmers who have been struggling in the aftermath of the floods,” she said.
Impact and Responses
The toll of the flooding has been daunting. As of August, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources reported that floods impacted at least 148 farms, resulting in over 2,700 acres of crop losses valued at a minimum of $15 million. And these numbers keep rising.
Despite these challenges, Ashley Randle, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, remains optimistic. She commented on the community’s outpouring of support, stating, “As heartbreaking as it was to see our farmers experience such devastating losses, it’s also been incredibly wonderful to see so many individuals and organizations come together to ensure that our farming community receives the help that it needs to recover and rebuild from this recent disaster.”
Tim Garvin, CEO of UWCM, succinctly summarized the fund’s objective, “Our goal with the Fund is to support farmers and communities by raising and distributing funds with urgency, as they are facing challenges right now,” Additionally, Philip Korman, Executive Director at CISA, highlighted the fund’s role in a more comprehensive emergency response system for local farms.
Various organizations, including Liberty Mutual Foundation and MassMutual, voiced their backing for the initiative and its larger implications for the state’s agriculture and economy.
For those seeking more details about the fund, visit unitedwaycm.org/farmfund
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