Agriculture

Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed a plan to make the $500,000 cap on Section 179 capital investment depreciation permanent. But President Obama called for more clarity on how the tax break will be funded without adding to the federal deficit. Meanwhile, businesses are waiting to see when and if the tax break be available.

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Regional Environmental Council to study the feasibility of creating a food hub in Worcester.

The potential impact of “locally grown” food and farm products on the Central Massachusetts economy is incredibly...

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday announced $300,000 in funding for seven “buy local” groups, including two in Central Massachusetts, in an effort to boost Bay State agriculture.

Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty wants to capitalize on urban farming by opening the city to commercial farming that he says will expand the economy while enhancing the quality of food available to all residents.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Wednesday announced that disaster loans are available to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives and nonprofit organizations impacted by extreme temperature fluctuations, frost and hail between May 22 and May 25 of this year.

Massachusetts has a rich history when it comes to growing apples. Early settlers grew them for cider,...

Ryan MacKay always knew he wanted to be a farmer. The grandson of dairy farmers and son of entrepreneurs, MacKay grew up raising goats, sheep and a camel. By the time MacKay turned 14, he was selling Christmas trees.

Tractor Supply Co., a retailer catering to hobby farmers and individual consumers alike, announced the opening of a Millbury store, the third Central Massachusetts location for the national chain.

The owner of Framingham's Eastleigh Farm on the north side of town has temporarily averted a foreclosure auction of his raw dairy farm and store, as well as his home. But the town is already considering how it would protect the land if an auction does take place. Town Manager Robert Halpin said the land, owned by longtime Framingham resident Doug Stephan, is a crucial piece of the town's open space plan. The town has the right of first refusal on the 112-acre parcel because it has granted Eastleigh a tax break since it's a working farm. Halpin indicated that it may exercise that right in order to keep the land from being redeveloped into housing.