The purposes of the MEGA Program are to:
- Help farmers who have been in business for at least one, but no more than ten years, to acquire equipment and other non-land assets that can help increase the financial viability of their farm businesses;
- Support the needs of newer farmers through the provision of business planning and technical assistance and capital;
- Bring new ideas, products, skill sets, and enthusiasm to the Massachusetts agricultural industry.
In Phase I of the program, business planning and technical assistance will be provided, requiring active participation by the applicant(s) selected to the Program in order to complete a MEGA Plan. In Phase II, Grant awards will be offered to active participants, subject to the availability of funding, upon approval by the Department of their MEGA Plan and of the proposed project for use of grant funds.