Supporting Organizations

The UMass Extension Program

UMass Extension addresses public concerns of high priority for the Commonwealth. Part of the national Cooperative Extension System, it sponsors statewide programs in Agriculture and Landscape, Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation, Communities, Families and Youth, Nutrition Education and the Massachusetts 4-H Program. These programs, often in partnerships with other organizations, offer research and educational opportunities including workshops, conferences, distance education, training events, consultations, and applied research.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Founded in 1829, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and developing the public's enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment. In addition to its 8,000 members and headquarters at the 36-acre Elm Bank Horticulture Center, MassHort is best known for its annual New England Spring Flower Show--the largest indoor event in New England and, after 135 years, the longest-running of its kind in the United States. Proceeds from the flower show help support the Society's educational programs.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' mission is to support, promote and enhance the long-term viability of Massachusetts agriculture with the aim of helping this state’s agricultural businesses become as economically and environmentally sound as possible. By so doing, it is hoped that our farmers will continue to support and maintain thousands of acres of valuable open space for the benefit of the state’s economy and environment. The Department’s  divisions and bureaus are working to fulfill this mission through a variety of initiatives and programs.