USDA Announces $64,000 Grant for CISA

The Recorder, August 31, 2016, by Andy Castillo

In conjunction with Congressman Jim McGovern’s sixth annual farm tour Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $64,000 grant to assist ranchers and farmers across the Connecticut River Valley.

The grant was given to Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture to help farmers learn about support programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

According to a news release from the congressman’s office, the grant “augments Obama Administration efforts to support new and small farm operations in Massachusetts,” which began earlier this month.

It includes a “three-year, $595,000 grant to CISA to reach about 600 new farmers and ranchers with technical workshops and other assistance.”

“We’re incredibly pleased,” said Philip Korman, executive director of the agriculture organization about the announcement, adding that funding comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

“When farmers in western Massachusetts succeed, our economy grows and our community thrives,” McGovern said. “This grant is a smart investment that will help to keep our local farmers connected with the USDA so they have access to the tools and resources they need to grow.”