SOUTH DEERFIELD — During Congressman James McGovern’s sixth annual farm tour Wednesday, he announced a $64,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in the Connecticut River Valley.
The grant was given to Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, of South Deerfield, to help farmers learn about support programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.
According to a statement issued by McGovern’s office, the grant augments the Obama administration’s efforts to support new and small farm operations in Massachusetts, which began earlier this month.
That support includes a three-year, $595,000 grant to CISA to reach about 600 new farmers with technical workshops and other assistance.
“We’re incredibly pleased,” said Philip Korman, executive director of CISA, adding that funding comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
“When farmers in western Massachusetts succeed, our economy grows and our community thrives,” McGovern said in the statement. “This grant is a smart investment that will help to keep our local farmers connected with the USDA so they have access to the tools and resources they need to grow.”