Beaton’s, Inc. in Rochester will receive $125,000 in grant funds to improve its cranberry growing and harvesting operation in 2025 as part of an overall agricultural program aimed at maximizing farm production.

The award will be used to renovate eight acres of cranberry bogs.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on Dec. 23 that it secured $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several farming programs, including the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program, the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program, the Cranberry Bog Renovation Program, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program. 

These grants, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, provide funding to local farmers. The funding supports farmers in meeting strict food safety standards, improving soil health and management through composting, sustaining cranberry growing operations and adapting to changing climate conditions. It also enhances their contributions to the state’s carbon reduction and climate change mitigation goals.

The Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program provides reimbursement to cranberry operations that implement projects that improve both bog design and production while preventing, reducing or eliminating negative environmental impacts that may occur from cranberry production. By funding these projects, the program enhances the cranberry industry's overall financial and environmental sustainability.