Lakeville farm awarded money to support irrigation, fencing

LAKEVILLE -- A Lakeville farm that specializes in vegetables traditionally grown in West Africa and the Caribbean has received a state grant of $7,087.50 to be used toward irrigation and fencing.

Tiani Gardens was one of 13 farms across the state to receive a total of $650,000 in grants to strengthen their operations and support the local agricultural economy,  the Healey-Driscoll administration announced.

The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program and the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Improvement Program (AIP), provides business assistance and capital funding for farms to grow and enhance their contributions to the farming community.

Tiani Gardens grows vegetables such as amaranth (greens or callalou), Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu or fluted pumpkin), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), water leaf (Talinum spp.), okra, jute mallow (Corchorus olitorus), tomato and egg plants.

“Massachusetts farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply, and our communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "These investments give farmers the tools they need to grow their businesses, improve their operations and remain competitive. Their success means more jobs, stronger local economies and fresh, locally grown food for communties across Massachusetts.''

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