In keeping with Governor Patrick’s commitment to protecting the environment, Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Scott Soares today announced 35 grants to fund projects mitigating or preventing negative impacts to natural resources from agricultural practices.

Awarded through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (DAR) Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP), grants totaling $465,000 went to farms in the towns of Barnstable, Bourne, Carver, Deerfield, Duxbury, Hanson, Harwich, Kingston, Lakeville, Leicester, Lanesboro, Marion, Middleboro, Norwell, Plymouth, Raynham, Rochester, Sandwich, Stockbridge, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Ware, Wareham, Westport and Williamstown.

These grants will fund projects such as automated irrigations systems for cranberry operations, manure storage areas, milkhouse wastewater systems, and rainwater collection for a greenhouse operation.

AEEP funds practices that improve water quality, promote water conservation, and improve air quality. Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved costs of materials up to $30,000.

AEEP is one of several programs within the Department’s Division of Agricultural Technical Assistance (DATA), the mission of which is to provide technical assistance, training and funding to promote economically viable and environmentally sound agricultural practices in Massachusetts. AEEP has funded 390 projects statewide since 1999, providing growers and producers more than $4.5 million to address environmental concerns on their farms.

Jack Lucas Bogs Inc. of Middleboro will receive $10,000 for an Automated Irrigation System.

Source: States News Service, October 28, 2010