The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is one of the oldest departments of agriculture in the U.S. Its interests lie in two broad areas: regulatory and promotional. On the one hand it deals with animal health (rabies) and crop and pest services (Asian Longhorn beetle). On the other it deals with agricultural conservation and technical assistance (grants for farm energy enhancement projects) and agricultural markets (farmers markets and CSAs). As such, it’s a great resource for the many farmers who participate in the Boston Local Food Festival, and someone from each division is represented there each year.

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