The MassDevelopment/The Carrot Project Small Farm Loan Program is designed for small Massachusetts farms having difficulty obtaining credit for projects that improve their operations and increase their income, as well as for emergency needs. Preference will be given to farms that use or are moving toward organic methods. Funds may be used for capital investments that improve efficiency and quality, and those that expand farm production or sales. Other eligible expenses include farm operations or repairs necessary to maintain farm operations. The fund offers loans of $3,000 to $35,000, and terms of up to 5 years.

Next Application Deadline(s): The first of each month or the next business day if it is a weekend or holiday.

Download the Massachusetts Application

Download a sample business plan and financials

You may submit your financials in any format, but if you would prefer a template for your financial statements, please contact info(at)thecarrotproject.org.

Download a glossary of financial terms used in the Massachusetts Application



Eligible Borrowers

• farmers who own or lease farms in Massachusetts, with preference given to farms with 250 or fewer acres under cultivation and annual revenue of no more than $250,000 
• applicants who own or lease the farmed property; leases should be in effect for at least the loan payment period 
• applicants engaged in the cultivation of farm, forest, or aquatic products or farm-related businesses
• farms that use or are moving toward organic methods are given preference
• family farms, as defined by USDA’s Economic Research Service, are given preference

Eligible Expenses 

• capital investments and expenses that improve efficiency and/or quality, and/or expand farm production and sales
• repairs necessary to maintain farm operations
• short-term operating needs, such as inventory, supplies, and/or labor for expansion
• emergency funds to deal with business interruptions due to fire, natural disasters, or other unforeseeable events

For more information contact Dorothy Suput at 617.666.9637 or dsuput(at)thecarrotproject.org.