The bill aims to enhance agricultural resilience in Massachusetts by establishing a framework for supporting local food production and distribution, particularly during emergencies. It mandates the Massachusetts emergency management agency to develop a plan for agricultural support in emergency preparedness, which will be reviewed every five years. The bill also increases the threshold for state purchasing from 10 to 20 and requires annual reports on the distribution of local food through state-funded food assistance programs, detailing the quantity and types of local food distributed, the farms involved, and recommendations for increasing local food access.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the General Laws to support farmers and agricultural practices. It defines "agritourism" and clarifies that agritourism activities should not solely determine the classification of land used for commercial agriculture. The Department of Agricultural Resources is mandated to review renewable energy restrictions on farmland every ten years, and a central registry of agricultural and horticultural land will be established and updated biennially. The bill also introduces a first refusal option for the Department regarding land purchases proposed for sale and requires a comprehensive study by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to improve safety net programs for farmers and farm workers. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the state's food systems, promote local agriculture, and ensure equitable access to healthy food.

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