The bill titled "An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts" aims to strengthen local food systems and enhance food security throughout the Commonwealth. Key provisions include the establishment of a plan by the Massachusetts emergency management agency to support agricultural production during emergencies, which will be reviewed every five years. The bill also requires the state purchasing agent to provide an annual report on the distribution of local food through state-funded assistance programs, detailing quantities, types, and sources of local food, along with recommendations for increasing local food distribution. Additionally, it creates the Next Generation Farmers Fund and the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to support agricultural workforce development and the conversion of vacant lots into agricultural enterprises.

The bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding agricultural practices and land use, including a public information campaign by the office of the inspector general to inform governmental bodies of their rights and responsibilities. It clarifies zoning ordinance exemptions for agritourism, establishes a framework for reviewing renewable energy restrictions on farmland, and creates a central registry for agricultural land maintained by the Department of Revenue. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to improve safety net programs for farmers and farm workers, and outlines the establishment of a University of Massachusetts Extension Board to oversee agricultural extension programs. Specific timelines for various state departments to implement these provisions are also included, ensuring a coordinated approach to agricultural resilience and sustainability.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7-23B, 20-6C, 29-2WWW, 30B-20, 40A-3, 61A-2A