Newton Community Farm Awarded State Agricultural Grant

NEWTON, MA — Newton Community Farm (NCF) and the City of Newton have been awarded a Climate Smart Agriculture Program - Energy grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to implement climate change mitigation strategies and solutions.

The grant will help NCF install solar panels and get new farm equipment and high tunnel extensions. The solar panels will cost a total of $61,675 and the rest of the equipment will cost $9,588.

MDAR will contribute 80% of the cost of a solar installation on the roof of the barn, which will provide 99% of the energy needed for agricultural operation. The project is a grid-connected photovoltaic array of 30 panels with battery back-up and is estimated to be the equivalent CO2 reduction of preserving 11 acres of forest.

The state will also cover 80% of the cost of NCF's new farm equipment and high tunnel extensions, which will enable the organization to improve soil health, labor efficiency, irrigation efficiency, pest management, and sustainability.

“We look forward to improving and expanding our work in the community with this grant funding,” said Sue Bottino, Executive Director of NCF, in a statement. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the city and the state to create a more resilient and sustainable local food system.”

NCF is a non-profit community farm located on the historic Angino farmstead in Newton. The organization works to providing locally-grown produce, educate the public about sustainable agriculture, and donate fresh food to people in need. For more information, click here.