Powering Massachusetts Agriculture: Climate & Energy Solutions
A climate-ready future includes our farms, our food, and the energy that powers them. The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) has supported hundreds of farms across the Commonwealth in reducing energy use and investing in renewable technologies, from high-efficiency cooling systems to on-site solar. Yet the true impact of this work goes far beyond the numbers. It lives in the stories of farmers who are finding new ways to sustain their operations, steward their land, and feed their communities.
As Massachusetts advances its climate goals, farms sit at the intersection of resilience, sustainability, and local food systems. This panel, featuring the CET, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and key partners, will explore how programs like MFEP, alongside federal opportunities such as REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) and CSAP (Climate Smart Agriculture Program) grants, are unlocking critical investments in farm energy.
Through firsthand perspectives and cross-sector insights, speakers will highlight how energy efficiency and renewable energy are not just cost-saving measures, but powerful tools to strengthen farm viability, reduce emissions, and preserve working lands. Together, we will explore what it takes to scale these solutions, expand access for diverse and underserved farmers, and ensure that Massachusetts farms remain a cornerstone of a more equitable and climate-ready future.
Speakers
Climate Chief Hoffer - Moderator
Melissa Hoffer is Massachusetts' first-ever Climate Chief, appointed by Governor Maura Healey in 2023 to lead the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. A veteran environmental lawyer, she previously served in the EPA under the Biden Administration and as a senior attorney in the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.
Ashley Randle, Commissioner - MDAR
Ashley E. Randle was appointed the twenty-first and first female Commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) on March 6, 2023.
Ashley was born and raised on a fifth-generation dairy farm, Indian Acres, in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, where her passion for agriculture and advocacy was first sparked. Ashley obtained her B.S. in Applied Economics & Management and Animal Science from Cornell University in 2011, and her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2014. She is a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Upon graduating from law school in 2014, she launched her career in government with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, tasked with the research and development of a sustainable recognition program for the Maine farming community. Prior to joining the MDAR team, Ashley worked for the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA) and served as Member Services Director, engaging in public policy work for the dairy industry and building relationships among industry members. Ashley began her career at MDAR in 2018, serving as Deputy Commissioner/Legislative and Policy Director.
Ashley currently serves as the President of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) and Secretary/Treasurer for Food Export-Northeast. She resides in Sterling, MA with her husband and remains actively involved in the dairy industry.
Karina Gaft-Azcue, Energy Portfolio Specialist - CET
Karina Gaft-Azcue is the Energy Portfolio Strategist at CET, where she leads strategic growth and innovation across a portfolio of Residential and Commercial programs across Southern New England. Her work focuses on expanding access to energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions, particularly for underserved communities, including farms and rural businesses.
Karina previously managed CET’s Commercial Energy portfolio and led the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program, funded by MDAR and USDA, where she worked directly with farmers across the Commonwealth to reduce energy costs and implement climate-smart technologies.
She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability from Harvard, along with a certification in Environmental Law and Policy.
Karina lives in the Berkshires and can often be found exploring the many farms that make Western Massachusetts so special.
David Dumaresq
Farmer Dave’s, founded in 1997 by Dave Dumaresq after serving in the Peace Corps, has grown from 15 leased acres in Dracut to 95 acres across Dracut, Tewksbury, and Westford and grows a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and culturally appropriate produce for markets in Eastern MA. The farm operates year-round and seasonal farmstands, a CSA program with 20 pickup locations, and PYO fruit offerings. Committed to food access, Farmer Dave’s supplies schools, restaurants, farmers markets, and food banks, with SNAP/HIP purchases at farmstands and farmers markets. Sustainability is a priority, with solar power, geothermal heating, and four all electric delivery vans helping to reduce its carbon footprint. With a dedicated team, Farmer Dave’s continues to innovate in sustainable farming and food security.
Farmer Dave’s mission is growing healthy food, building strong community and creating lifelong traditions
Anne Gobi
Anne Gobi currently serves as the Massachusetts Director of Rural Affairs in the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Prior to her appointment in June of 2023 she served 21 years in the State Legislature, beginning in the House of Representatives in 2001 and was elected to the State Senate in 2014. During her time in the Legislature she Chaired the Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and was Vice Chair of the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee. Director Gobi serves as a liaison to the 181 rural communities in the Commonwealth to assist them with economic development projects.
Director Gobi earned her Bachelors Degree from Worcester State University and her Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law. Prior to entering the Legislature she taught at Leicester High School and assisted victims of domestic violence at Central Mass Legal Assistance
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