MIDDLEBORO — Three Middleboro cranberry companies have received funding for bog renovation through the Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

Middleboro grants went to:

 $35,000 to D&D Harju Cranberries, LLC, for bog renovation on 4.3 acres.

$75,000 for Morse Brothers Inc., for bog renovation on 5.32 acres

$75,000 to Stanley Kravitz Cranberries, for bog renovation on 6.48 acres.

A total of $1 million was awarded to 17 organizations throughout the state. The program focuses on addressing potential challenges to the Commonwealth’s cranberry industry that may add value to the producers, products, and services provided. 

Competitive grants are awarded for projects that renovate existing cranberry bogs, provide higher yields, and offer more efficient methods of cranberry production for participating growers.

The Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program helps contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts cranberry growers. The applicants receiving awards will receive funds for capital expenditures to renovate existing cranberry acreage. 

This includes stripping the bogs, applying sand and laser leveling, improving irrigation systems and drainage, and planting higher-yield variety vines. The projects will work to reduce growers’ environmental impact and increase bog productivity. 

“The production of cranberries provides significant economic and environmental benefits to the Commonwealth, and our local growers continue to incorporate the latest in technology and equipment to grow and harvest their fruit in ways that conserve more water and better protect our natural resources,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This funding will help boost long-term production and drive economic growth that will directly benefit the industry, consumers and local economies.”

The purpose of the Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program is to provide reimbursement directly to cranberry operations that implement eligible projects that improve both bog design and production while at the same time preventing, reducing, or eliminating environmental impacts that may occur from cranberry production. 

By funding these projects, the program achieves its purpose of enhancing the overall financial and environmental sustainability of the cranberry industry.

“Cranberries have been and will continue to be an important part of our state’s culture and economy, and the Baker-Polito Administration is proud to continue to support this important industry with funding through the Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Our cranberry growers are committed to expanding their work, and these grants will help secure production for future generations.”