Department of Agricultural Resources - Massachusetts Food Ventures Program Grant - AGR-MFVP-FY27 (2027)
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of MassachusettsState · Suite 500 Boston, MA- Due
- May 28, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Mar 23, 2026
- Primary contact
- Rose Arruda
- (617) 851-3644
The 30-second brief
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources invites proposals for reimbursement grants through the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP). Funding supports capital improvements including construction, renovation, and equipment for commercial food enterprises, processing facilities, distribution centers, food hubs, farm co-ops, and mobile markets that increase access to healthy, affordable food in low- to moderate-income communities while expanding markets for Massachusetts-grown, harvested, or caught products. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000 with a mandatory 20% cash match requirement. Proposals are due by May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
Reimbursement grants ranging from $25, 000 to $250, 000 for capital improvements, Food processing infrastructure, Food commissaries, Farm co-ops, Food hubs, Commercial and mobile markets
Project Feasibility, Year-round access and benefits to low to moderate income communities, Broad application and positive impacts, New markets and commercial food distribution, Market research and community need, Management experience, Job creation, Sourcing 50% or more of food from Massachusetts growers, Shovel readiness, Matching funds, First time applicants, Past performance
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Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources invites proposals for reimbursement grants through the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP).
Funding supports capital improvements including construction, renovation, and equipment for commercial food enterprises, processing facilities, distribution centers, food hubs, farm co-ops, and mobile markets that increase access to healthy, affordable food in low- to moderate-income communities while expanding markets for Massachusetts-grown, harvested, or caught products. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000 with a mandatory 20% cash match requirement. Proposals are due by May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
12- Project Feasibility
- Year-round access and benefits to low to moderate income communities
- Broad application and positive impacts
- New markets and commercial food distribution
- Market research and community need
- Management experience
- Job creation
- Sourcing 50% or more of food from Massachusetts growers
- Shovel readiness
- Matching funds
- First time applicants
- Past performance
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
8- Reimbursement grants ranging from $25
- 000 to $250
- 000 for capital improvements
- Food processing infrastructure
- Food commissaries
- Farm co-ops
- Food hubs
- Commercial and mobile markets
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
14- Application Form - REQUIRED WITH SUBMISSION
- RFR Required Specifications
- Resumes / Qualifications
- Demographic & Participant Data
- Financial Documentation
- Partner & Investor Agreements
- Proof of Property Ownership or Lease
- Competitive Quotes
- Business Plan
- Letters of Commitment
- Matching Funds Documentation
- Preliminary Design Plans
- List and Proof of Required Permits
- Project Timeline
- Submit to
- www.commbuys.com
- Scope location
- Boston, MA
- Reported agency
- Department of Agricultural Resources
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is May 28, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: www.commbuys.com. For questions, contact Rose Arruda.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts in MA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Rose Arruda at (617) 851-3644. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Reimbursement grants ranging from $25, 000 to $250, 000 for capital improvements, Food processing infrastructure, Food commissaries, Farm co-ops, Food hubs, Commercial and mobile markets. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Project Feasibility, Year-round access and benefits to low to moderate income communities, Broad application and positive impacts, New markets and commercial food distribution, Market research and com..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
All active and historical solicitations from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Application Form - REQUIRED WITH SUBMISSION, RFR Required Specifications, Resumes / Qualifications, Demographic & Participant Data, Financial Documentation, Partner & Investor Agreements, Proof of Pro. Review the full document from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Boston, MA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
