Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Promote Massachusetts Dairy Industry

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board (MDPB), today awarded six grants totaling $190,067 to projects which seek to advance the image, sales and demand for Massachusetts dairy products.

“Massachusetts is home to over 117 family-run dairy farms, and our administration is committed to supporting the efforts and longevity of the state’s important dairy industry,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The funds awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board will continue to educate consumers about the culinary and economic contributions of dairy farmers.”

The MDPB, a nine-member board of state officials and dairy farmers formed to promote Massachusetts dairy products, is chaired by the MDAR commissioner and helps promote increased consumption of dairy products through effective use of promotion, education and research. The MDPB Grant Program, overseen by the board, is funded by the state’s dairy farmers.

“The Commonwealth’s dairy farms are a critical part of the state’s food system and agricultural production,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The grants funded through the Dairy Promotion Grant program will elevate the awareness of Massachusetts’ dairy products to the consuming public.”

“This grant program provides funding opportunities to non-profit organizations to carry out the mission of the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board which is to enhance the consumption of Massachusetts dairy products,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux.

“Since the nineteenth century, the Essex Agricultural Society and the Topsfield Fair have showcased the fruits of our dairy sector to countless people from both inside and outside the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem).  “In 2018, I proudly served as an honorary cattle judge at the 200^th Topsfield Fair and am pleased that this grant will help to continue to publicize the vital efforts of the women and men working in the Massachusetts dairy industry.”

“Dairy farms are a vital part of the Massachusetts economy,” said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich).  “With the awarding of these grants, we are helping to ensure their future viability through marketing initiatives that promote and recognize our local dairy farms.  I would like to especially commend the Essex Agricultural Society/Topsfield Fair on their work over the last 200 years to preserve and promote agriculture and our state’s dairy farmers.”

“This grant funding will help advance awareness of the local dairy industry by improving and modernizing the industry’s marketing practices,” said State Senator James T. Welch (D-West Springfield). “By investing in proven ways to market consumer products the state is reaffirming its commitment to helping small businesses and promote the local dairy industry.”

“It is great to see the Commonwealth and nonprofits collaborate to help promote the Massachusetts dairy industry,” said State Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield).  “The Eastern States Exposition has always been a great ally to the local agricultural industry and with this grant funding they will be able to use their resources to increase visibility and awareness of Massachusetts dairy products.”