Local Farmers awarded grants for infrastructure improvement

WWLP, December 5, 2018.

Western Massachusetts farmers were celebrated, recognized, and rewarded Wednesday night in Northampton.

Smith College hosted the “Local Farmer Awards.” 147 farmers applied for the infrastructure improvement awards, but only 59 won the $2,500 grants.

Southampton Dairy Farmer Bob Fletcher used his grant to upgrade his milking system and expand to make his farm more accessible for his “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” program.

Fletcher told 22News, “It’s allowed us to open the farm up to the community during pumpkin season. Columbus Day weekend we do open up the entire farm, so the public can see what we do on a daily basis.”

The Local Farmer Awards are made possible by partnerships between the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, Big Y supermarkets, and several local sponsors.