Industry Insight: Agriculture
Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council
The region’s recognized catalyst, leader, and influencer on issues related to business, economic growth + workforce dev.
The Western Mass EDC is proud to be a driver of business growth in the region. We aim to create an inclusive economy and to continuously strive to strengthen the region’s economic landscape. Part of doing so is providing information, including helping to inform about some of the most significant industries in the area. That was the driving factor behind the creation of our INDUSTRY INSIGHT series. So far we have examined healthcare, financial services, tourism, and higher education.
This month, we focus on agriculture, a sector that serves as the backbone of our regional economy and community. With a rich history and a promising future, agriculture in Western Massachusetts offers not only sustenance but also innovation, economic growth, and opportunity.
WHY AGRICULTURE?
Agriculture has always been a significant part of Western Massachusetts’ identity, and today it plays a vital role in shaping the region’s economy. The region’s farms, orchards, and local food producers contribute to both the local and broader economies, providing jobs, sustaining local businesses, and fostering a culture of sustainability.
With the Connecticut River running north-south through Western Massachusetts,? the region has long enjoyed a robust agricultural economy, thanks to its fertile soil, temperate climate, and the dedication of farmers and food entrepreneurs who fuel the region. From small family-run farms to larger farms, agricultural businesses, and food product manufacturing. The region is also the headquarters for Big Y, as well as food manufacturers such as Hood and Agri-Mark.? This industry ensures fresh, locally sourced products reach consumers while boosting job creation and community wealth.
THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture in Western Massachusetts is more than just a sector; it’s an economic engine. The region's farms produce a wide array of goods—fruits, vegetables, dairy, specialty crops and more – all of which support a diverse supply chain. Agriculture in the region doesn’t operate in a vacuum. From local farm stands to large grocers, every product sold strengthens the economy.
A Few Agriculture Statistics In The Commonwealth
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources shared the following “Agricultural Resources Facts and Statistics” :
●?????? There are Just shy of 7,100 farms across Massachusetts
●?????? Covering approximately 464 thousand acres
●?????? Annual market value of over $607 million in agricultural goods
●?????? The average farm produces over $85 thousand worth of agricultural products on 66 acres
●?????? The average age of a Mass principal operator is 58.7 years old
The MDAR also shared the number of farms, land in farms (acres), and average size of farm (acres) by county. This graphic shows a snapshot of agriculture throughout the state.
A few highlights specific to the Western Massachusetts’ agricultural sector:
●?????? Together Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties represent 27 percent of agricultural sales in the state.
●?????? Franklin County’s Top Crops (in acres) are (1) forage (hay/haylage), (2) vegetables harvested, (3) corn for silage/greenchop, (4) potatoes, and (5) corn for grain.
●?????? Hampshire County mirrors Franklin with one exception - the third top crop above is replaced by #3 in this area - potatoes.
●?????? Hampden County - this area is not a top producer of potatoes or corn for grain and instead #3 is replaced with tobacco and #5 with squash (all).
For more detail information by county check out these agricultural profiles:
●?????? Hampden County
●?????? Hampshire County
●?????? Franklin County
The impact of agriculture stretches beyond the fields too, affecting related industries like food processing, transportation, and tourism. The agricultural sector creates direct employment opportunities, ranging from farm labor to agritourism, and indirectly boosts employment in sectors like distribution and retail.
TWO BIG CHAMPIONS FOR AGRICULTURE IN REGION?
The Big E
Agriculture plays a prominent role in one of Western Massachusetts’ most iconic events, The Big E. As the largest agricultural fair on the east coast, The Big E showcases the importance of farming in the region and provides a platform for local farmers and businesses to display their products to a massive audience. With agricultural exhibits, farm-to-table demonstrations, and livestock competitions, the fair highlights the critical connection between agriculture and the local economy.
The Big E not only celebrates the cultural significance of agriculture but also brings attention to the importance of sustainable practices and local sourcing. It provides a unique opportunity to educate consumers on the value of supporting regional agriculture and the positive economic impact of buying local.?
“Agriculture is our culture.” - Eugene Cassidy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern States Exposition
This year the Eastern States Exposition partnered with a few close friends to highlight their work and discuss what it is that makes agriculture their culture in a new video series, “Stories from the Farm.”? Three of the featured farms are Prospect Valley Farm (Westfield), Ciesluk Farms (Deerfield), and Cook Farms (Hadley).
For over a century, The Big E has celebrated the farms that supply our local populace, define our community’s way of life, and build a foundation for our future, seed by seed. These hard working hands have passed down agrarian legacies from generation to generation with a sense of pride. We honor the country folk that sow, harvest, and raise livestock in our region year-round with utmost admiration.
Big Y? Your Family Market?
Big Y is more than a grocery store, they’re an essential partner in the region’s agricultural ecosystem. Over the years Big Y has consistently supported local agriculture, helping small farms and businesses thrive.
领英推荐
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y World Class Market operates 84 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 71 supermarkets, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 10 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 12,000 employees.
Since being founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, Big Y has worked alongside area growers in order to bring fresh and local produce to their customers whenever possible during the growing season.?
“Big Y has always had a strong connection with the farmers in our marketing area. Our teams listen to these farmers every day in order to keep a pulse on each crop as it is harvested and delivered to our markets. We know that our customers appreciate the freshness of this native produce each time they visit one or our stores. We are grateful to our farmers, our local produce teams and our customers for their daily assistance in keeping local agriculture a vibrant part of our community.” - Charles L. D’Amour, Big Y Executive Chairman, Board of Directors
By working closely with local producers, Big Y not only provides consumers with fresh, local products but also helps small businesses scale and succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
They currently work with over 100 local farmers.
With far too many examples of Big Y’s support of local agriculture to share them all, let us provide a few highlights:
●?????? Wellspring Harvest: In 2018 they constructed a $1.5 million greenhouse and slowly started the process of growing hydroponic lettuce. Big Y, a partner of the eco-friendly urban farm, leaned in early and carried this “new” lettuce in four stores. That, along with initial support by the two major area hospital systems, was just the support needed. Today they are Springfield’s first commercial hydroponic greenhouse and the largest urban greenhouse in Massachusetts
●?????? $25,000 Pledge to Support Flooded Farms: Last summer when catastrophic flooding impacted Western Mass farms, Big Y Markets once again pledged to help aid those farmers impacted. They pledged $25,000 to the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund.
●?????? UMass Student Farm partnership: A farm, run by University of Massachusetts students from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture who are seeking careers in food production, food sourcing and food security advocacy work, gives students the experience of running their own farm - including harvesting, cleaning, packaging and selling the vegetables. The program, which began in 2007 with two students growing a quarter acre of kale and broccoli through an independent study, has grown twelve to fifteen students per year and has grown to manage over 20 acres of land.? Many graduates have chosen to continue to work at local farms that sell to Big Y and some have even gone on to starting farms of their own.
Big Y’s continued effort to support students in agriculture strengthens their commitment to more than just produce on the shelves, it shows a true investment in the next generation of farmers. As well, their commitment to local sourcing strengthens the entire agricultural supply chain in Western Massachusetts, ensuring that farmers and food entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to grow.
A LOOK AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN WESTERN MASS
As we look ahead, the agricultural landscape in Western Massachusetts will continue to evolve. Climate change, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior are influencing how the region’s farmers approach production. The increasing demand for organic, sustainably grown products presents both opportunities and challenges for local farmers. However, with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, Western Massachusetts is well-positioned to adapt.
The Western Mass EDC is committed to supporting the growth and evolution of the agriculture industry. By fostering collaboration between farmers, businesses, and local government, we aim to create a resilient agricultural sector that continues to drive economic success for years to come.
We believe growing the region’s food eco-system will further the development of a more inclusive economy through equitable entrepreneurship initiatives and workforce training. For example, we are already leading the Anchor Collaborative, in close partnership with major employers such as Big Y, UMass Amherst, Baystate Health, and others, to increase the share of procurement spending retained in the region, with a focus on building the capacity of small, minority-owned businesses to supply these large organizations. An obvious area for increased local supplier activity is related to food and catering needs.
In addition, additional ideas for future economic development tied to agriculture can be found in the “ACCELERATING INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN THE PIONEER VALLEY: A Prospectus for Transformative Economic Investment” (see pages 17-18).
CONCLUSION
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Western Massachusetts economy, with deep cultural and economic significance. From the fields to the shelves, the sector creates jobs, promotes sustainability, and contributes to the region’s growth. Through the efforts of events like The Big E, companies like Big Y, and farmers’ markets, agriculture is not only celebrated but also sustained for future generations.
Find Out More About Local Farms and How To Buy Local Food
Explore the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown? program, by CISA, the longest-running agricultural buy-local campaign in the country, which connects farmers and the community, improving farm business viability and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the region.
As your Western Mass EDC, we recognize the importance of agriculture and remain committed to supporting the industry through strategic initiatives and partnerships. Together, we can ensure that agriculture continues to thrive, fueling both our economy and our communities. To learn more about the EDC, please visit our website.
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