Agricultural Composting Improvement Grant Program (ACIP)
Forecasted
Agricultural Composting Improvement Grant Program (ACIP) supports Massachusetts agricultural composters with equipment and infrastructure to improve compost quality, efficiency, and beneficial use.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 for established operations or $10,000 for early-stage farmers; up to 80% reimbursement
Summary: Supports equipment and infrastructure that improve Massachusetts agricultural composting operations and the beneficial use of finished compost.
Key Information: Composting projects are excluded from the separate CSAP Round II Environmental Resiliency solicitation.
Description
The Agricultural Composting Improvement Grant Program (ACIP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), provides reimbursement funding for equipment and infrastructure at Massachusetts agricultural composting operations. Applications are submitted through the combined Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP). The program addresses clearly identified compost-management needs, including improvements to compost quality, processing efficiency, environmental performance, regulatory compliance, site management, and operational control.
Supported projects include compost turners, mixers, grinders, screening equipment, aerated static pile systems, compost pads, drainage and leachate-management systems, covers, and storage structures. Equipment that improves the application or agricultural use of finished compost is also supported. Projects should contribute to water quality, soil health, nutrient management, or the long-term sustainability and resilience of agricultural operations.
