The past year hasn’t been easy for Massachusetts farmers, who had a hard time growing crops due to flooding and freezing weather events. Now, the state of Massachusetts is stepping in, and providing $20 million dollars worth of disaster relief funds to over 300 farms, including two farms in Lakeville and one farm in Middleboro.

“After seeing the devastating damage and listening to farmers who lost their livelihoods over the summer, we knew we had to do something to support the agricultural industry. That’s what this funding demonstrates – it provides direct aid to farms,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. 

Red Eye, Inc., a cranberry farm in Middleboro, received disaster relief funds, as did Montgomery Bogs and Paty Cranberries in Lakeville.

To be eligible for the disaster relief funds, farms needed to have lost at least 15% of their crops from one of three events in 2023: flooding in July, a late frost in May, and a deep freeze in February.

“I am pleased to see the $20 million that the Legislature funded, in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration, is going to assist beleaguered farmers who were devastated by several incidents of severe weather,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, who represents Lakeville. 

“This aid will allow the Massachusetts Agricultural industry to rebound and recover for the upcoming planting season next year. We will always stand in support for our farmers, so they not only survive, but thrive going forward.”