Agriculture Committee advances bills on farming, food, and sustainability

(Boston, MA) December 22, 2023 - On Thursday, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport) and Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) favorably advanced a dozen bills to strengthen our food system, fight food insecurity, protect natural and working lands, support farmers and people in the fishing industry, and more.

"I'm proud of all the work the Committee has done over the past year to release such an important list of bills", said House Chair Schmid. "Each piece of legislation addresses issues we heard about from farmers, fishermen, and food justice organizations throughout our first year of work. It's certainly exciting to be able to release these bills. As this is the first session that the Committee on Agriculture has been established, my thanks go to Speaker Mariano for all the work he's done in advancing the discussion on agriculture in the Commonwealth."

"This is the first session where we have had a Joint Committee focused specifically on agriculture — and with it comes an opportunity for the legislature to focus on the policies needed to support Commonwealth farmers and to strengthen our food system. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for the opportunity to lead this work," said Senate Chair Comerford. "Our colleagues filed a lot of smart legislation and I am delighted to partner with Chair Schmid to advance bills to promote food justice and security, provide disaster relief for farms, and bolster sustainable agricultural practices."

Information on legislation advanced by the Committee:

An Act relative to establishing a food justice frontline (H.828/S.507) filed by Senator Patricia Jehlen and Representative Vanna Howard

This legislation requires the Department of Agricultural Resources to establish the Food Justice Frontline Program, the purpose of which is to fund nonprofit food security organizations up to $500,000 via grants to enable them to create new food security jobs for individuals living in communities with high rates of food insecurity. The bill also directs the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the Executive Office of Economic Development to establish a new program designed to increase public awareness of the availability of food access programs.

"I am so grateful to Chairs Comerford and Schmid for working on this bill and reporting it favorably out of committee," said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville). "We must continue supporting the non-profits in our communities with resources to better reach and help those in need. This bill's implementation of a Food Justice frontline program will greatly benefit people across the Commonwealth by creating jobs and providing assistance for those who may not know help is available."

"I'm very pleased to see my bill H.828/S.507, An Act relative to establishing a food justice frontline, that I co-filed alongside Senator Patricia Jehlen, has been reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Agriculture," said Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). "This bill would create a strategy of food security in overburdened and underserved communities, while also generating well-paying jobs in these same communities. It would also task the DTA and the EOHED with promoting food assistance programs such as SNAP, HIP and other initiatives to Commonwealth residents, who may be unenrolled but only because they are unaware that they qualify for benefits. These programs impact communities which need assistance the most in the most impactful way at minimum cost to the state. I'm looking forward to further advancing this important legislation. Thank you, Chair Representative Paul Schmid, Acting Chair Senator Jo Comerford and Vice Chair Representative Natalie Blais and members of the committee, for your work to move this bill forward."

An Act relative to agricultural disaster relief (H.753/S.490) filed by Senator Anne Gobi (who is now serving as Director of Rural Affairs with the Healey/Driscoll Administration) and Representative Natalie Blais

The legislation establishes the Massachusetts Agricultural Disaster Relief Fund. The fund would provide monetary assistance to farmers in the Commonwealth who have suffered agricultural losses, financial losses, or property damage caused by acts of nature.

An Act supporting farm diversification and sustainability (H.754) filed by Representative Natalie Blais

This legislation changes the duration of a special permit allowing nonagricultural activities on agricultural preservation restriction (APR) land from a maximum of 5 years to at least 1 year, allowing farmers to more easily access the financial benefits of agricultural tourism and other nonagricultural economic development ventures.

"I am extremely grateful that Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka elevated the importance of the Commonwealth's local food system by establishing the Committee on Agriculture. Under the leadership of Chairs Schmid and Comerford, the committee not only heard the bills before the committee but also embarked on a statewide listening tour," said House Vice Chair Natalie M. Blais (D-Deerfield). "As the State Representative for one of the most rural districts in the Commonwealth, I am thankful for the committee's decision to advance several bills, including H753 and H754, that will support our farmers in times of disaster and help them to diversify so that they may remain a strong component of our local economy."

An Act relative to lobstering closure mitigation (S.552) filed by Senator Patrick O'Connor

This legislation establishes the Lobstering Closure Mitigation Fund. The fund is to be administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance. The fund would provide financial assistance to lobstermen and women who are financially impacted by seasonal fishing area closures for the protection of endangered marine species.

"This legislation is crucial in helping provide assistance and sustain our lobstermen and women as we navigate our way through the difficult waters of conservation in the face of maintaining the lobstering industry," said Senator Patrick O'Connor (R-Weymouth). "I'm very proud to represent hundreds of lobstermen and women, and I'd like to thank the Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association for all of their hard work to get us to this point."

An Act relative to the regulation of nutrient management and fertilizer in the town of Nantucket (S.2437) filed by Senator Julian Cyr

This home rule petition would allow the town of Nantucket to adopt regulations relative to nutrient management and fertilizer guidelines. Regulations may not be less restrictive than existing state regulations and must be developed in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension.

An Act to promote conservation through oyster shell recycling (S.466) filed by Senator Julian Cyr

This legislation establishes a tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate their used oyster shells to an oyster shell recycling organization. The amount of the credit is equal to one dollar per five gallon bucket of oyster shells donated, and any amount of the credit that exceeds the tax due for a taxable year may be carried forward by the taxpayer. An oyster shell recycling tax credit will help divert waste from our landfills and instead facilitate the use of this natural waste product to rebuild our beaches and shores.

"I am grateful to my friends Chair Comerford and Chair Schmid for the Joint Committee on Agriculture's favorable reports on my bills S.466, An Act to promote conservation through oyster shell recycling and S.2437, An Act relative to the regulation of nutrient management and fertilizer in the town of Nantucket. These two pieces of legislation will help protect the fragile coastal environment of Nantucket, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and beyond," said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). "S.466 would utilize a creative and natural approach to revitalizing and conserving natural marine habitat while reducing the amount of material that ends up in landfills. S.2437 would enable the Town of Nantucket to mitigate the environmental impacts of fertilizer use on the island. Both bills are critical to the sustainability of our natural environment."

An Act promoting dairy farms (H.89) filed by Representative Gerard Cassidy

This bill makes additional anaerobic digestion biogas-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities that are already operational and qualified as Class I renewable energy sources eligible to participate in the Clean Peak Standard incentive program.

"I am grateful to Chair Schmid for his continued leadership of the Agriculture Committee. H89 is essential to both the environment and Massachusetts Dairy Farmers," said Representative Gerard Cassiday (D-Brockton). "I look forward to working with leadership to pass this bill this session."

An Act relative to a municipality's right of first refusal of agricultural and recreational land (S.45) filed by Senator Michael Moore

This bill would provide municipalities with an increased timeframe to make a determination about whether to exercise their right of first refusal for agricultural land, as well as an increased timeframe to fulfill the purchase and sale contract.

"In current Massachusetts law, cities and towns are allowed to exercise their right of first refusal of agricultural and recreational land when a property owner seeks to sell or use land for non-agricultural or recreational purposes. Existing timelines, however, are short and make it difficult for a municipality to effectively conduct the required due diligence of a potential land acquisition — particularly in communities that have a town meeting form of government," said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). "This legislation would extend the existing time period a municipality may exercise its right of first refusal and fulfill a purchase and sale contract, if they choose to do so. The bill also establishes a 30-day timeline in which the seller may accept the purchase and sale agreement. By passing this law, we will give our rural communities more flexibility and a greater say in how their town will grow."

An Act supporting the Commonwealth's food system (H.92) filed by Representative Pat Duffy

This bill requires the Massachusetts Food Policy Council to hire a food system coordinator as a full-time employee. The food system coordinator would serve in an advisory capacity to all relevant departments and increase the capacity and efficacy of the Food Policy Council.

"Massachusetts has led the nation with our Food Policy Council and I appreciate that the Agriculture Committee saw that our bill, co-filed with Rep. Daniel Donahue, will strengthen our initiatives by hiring a dedicated staffer," said Representative Pat Duffy (D-Holyoke).

An Act establishing a fisheries conservation gear grant program (H.773) filed by Representative Josh Cutler

This legislation establishes a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program to be administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The program would provide funding assistance for the research, development, and acquisition of commercial fishing gear which limits or eliminates the mortality of juvenile or other fish not legally harvestable or harm or mortality to protected species, while maximizing the sustainability and productivity of an affected fishery.

"This grant would provide critical funding assistance for the research, development, and acquisition of commercial fishing gear which would reduce the lethal and sub-lethal impacts of fishing gear on protected species." said Representative Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury). "The mutual goals of species protection and the promotion of fishing industries can be better achieved with assistance from the Commonwealth through an investment in fishing technologies and direct support for our fishers."

Healey-Driscoll Administration Encourages Families to Kick off 2024 with Free Guided First Day Hikes at Parks Across Massachusetts

DCR Hosting Hikes in 13 State Parks as Part of Agency's Signature First Day Hikes Initiative; Program Started in 1992 in Blue Hills, Now Hosted in 50 States

BOSTON (December 27, 2023) - The Healey-Driscoll Administration is encouraging residents and families to kick off their new year with a free guided First Day Hike at state parks across Massachusetts. On January 1, 2024, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hosting the agency's 33rd annual signature First Day Hikes initiative in 13 parks across the state - from Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth to Mount Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough.

The First Day Hikes initiative launched in 1992, when 400 hikers gathered to welcome the new year at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton. The program aims to encourage year-round outdoor recreation and to inspire the public to discover the beauty of the Massachusetts State Parks system. Over the years, more parks across Massachusetts and other states welcomed families and residents on New Year's Day for First Day Hikes. In 2012, the program went national with the endorsement of America's State Parks, expanding First Day Hikes to all 50 states.

"First Day Hikes brings people of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics together with a common goal of starting their year off at our state parks," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are proud to continue this cherished tradition that encourages communities to come together, take in fresh air, and experience the beauty of our state."

"Our program is a unique way of wishing Massachusetts residents health and happiness this New Year. Encouraging families to start their year in one of our parks benefits their well-being and the economy," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "First Day Hikes are an incredible opportunity for family and friends to immerse themselves in our beautiful park system and to inspire year-round outdoor recreation."

"One of the administration's many New Year's resolutions is to get more people outside and into Massachusetts' natural resources. A First Day Hike will get us closer to that goal and residents more connected to our state park system," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "By participating in this tradition, residents experience our parks' natural, cultural, and recreational resources while also witnessing the significance of these parks in ensuring the health of our environment. We look forward to seeing everyone on the trails this New Year."

"One of our goals at DCR is to inspire the next generation of stewards of our natural resources, and programs like First Day Hikes help us in that effort," said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. "We're excited to be expanding this great program to more parks this year, and we hope it encourages more families to connect with the natural world that surrounds us."

The program has become a cherished tradition, with residents of all ages gathering each New Year's Day to ring in the new year outdoors in DCR parks. This year, the agency expects thousands of visitors to take part in the hikes at agency parks in Saugus, Rockport, Stoneham, Concord, East Falmouth, Uxbridge, Gardner, Townsend, West Boylston, Turner Falls, Chester, and Lanesborough.

DCR offers incredible natural resources for visitors to explore, as well as exceptional recreational activities that residents can take advantage of year-round. This year's First Day Hikes will range from one to three miles, depending on location. For details about the hikes, difficulty, length, terrain, and tips regarding proper apparel, please visit DCR's website. DCR encourages participants to tweet, post, and tag photos on social media using @MassDCR and #FirstDayHikes. DCR's First Day Hikes will be offered at the following 13 locations and times:

NORTH

Breakheart Reservation - 10 a.m.
177 Forest Street, Saugus 2-3-mile hike
Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center.
Hot chocolate and clam chowder will be served by the fire in the visitor center after the hike.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart

Halibut Point State Park - 10 a.m.
4 Gott Avenue, Rockport 3-mile hike
Meet at parking lot at 9 a.m.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park

Middlesex Fells Reservation - 10 a.m.
4 Woodland Road, Stoneham
1.5- or 3-mile hikes and bike ride
Meet at the Botume House for hikes and the Marjam Lot for the bike ride.
Hot chocolate will be served in the Botume House after the hike
Co-sponsored by Friends of the Middlesex Fells and NEMBA

Walden Pond State Reservation - 12 p.m.
915 Walden Street, Concord
1 mile hike
Meet at the Thoreau House Replica
Hot chocolate will be served in the Thoreau House Replica after the hike.

SOUTH

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - 10 a.m.
131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth
1 mile hike
Meet at the visitor center
Hot chocolate will be served in the visitor center after the hike.

Blue Hills Reservation - 12 p.m.
840 Hillside Street, Milton
Gather at Houghton's Pond Recreation Area at 11 a.m. Two guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12 p.m.
Hot chocolate will be served after the hike
Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills
Parking and space are limited. There is no parking outside DCR property

CENTRAL

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park - 10 a.m.
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
2-mile hike
Meet at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center for registration at 9 a.m.
Hot chocolate will be served after the hike.

Dunn State Park - 10 a.m.
289 Pearl Street, Gardner
1.5-mile hike
Meet at the Pond House for registration at 9 a.m.
Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in the Pond House.

Willard Brook State Forest - 10 a.m.
599 Main Street, Townsend
1.5-mile hike
Meet at the Headquarters for registration at 9 a.m.
Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in headquarters.

Wachusett Reservoir - 11 a.m.
167 Temple Street (Rt 140), West Boylston
2-mile hike
Meet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10a.m.

WEST

Great Falls Discovery Center - 1 p.m.
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
3-mile hike
Meet at the Great Hall
Hot chocolate will be served in the visitor center after the hike.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center

Chester Blandford State Forest - 10 a.m.
631 U.S. Route 20, Chester
2-mile hike
Meet at Sanderson Brook Falls Parking Lot
Co-sponsored by the Western MA Hilltown Hikers

Mount Greylock State Reservation - 10 a.m.
30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough
2-mile hike
Open House followed up with self-guided hike.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in the visitor center.

Additionally, most locations will offer hot chocolate following the hike. In the event of inclement weather or icy trail conditions, hikes may be cancelled. Please call the park prior to arriving to ensure the hike will proceed as scheduled. Families are also encouraged to create their own First Day Hike adventure at a state park close to home. Further information on self-guided hikes is available on the agency's website, which features almost 70 facilities statewide.

ABCC to Continue "Operation Safe Holidays" through New Year’s Eve

Enforcement Efforts Focuses on Impaired Driving Prevention

BOSTON - To ensure safety for everyone in Massachusetts during the holidays, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) has been conducting alcohol enforcement at local bars in the major cities and towns since Thanksgiving Eve and will continue through New Year's Eve.

In doing so, the ABCC hopes to prevent accidents caused by impaired driving and other alcohol-related harm that often occurs at this time of year. The ABCC will focus enforcement efforts at bars that have been identified as the last to sell alcohol to a convicted drunk driver, as well as working with municipal police departments that have identified high-risk locations in their communities.

"It is extremely important to deter bar owners from over serving and prevent problems before they happen" said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We simply want to keep people safe and make sure everyone can enjoy the holidays with their family and friends, avoiding tragedies before they occur."

The program is run in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Impaired Driving Crackdown, from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year's Eve, and is funded through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security - Highway Safety Division.

Alcohol is involved in 40 percent of traffic crash fatalities resulting in 17,013 fatalities and injuring an estimated 275,000 people annually. Data indicates that well over 50% of impaired driving arrests originate at bars.

About the ABCC: The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission is an agency under the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg. Its overall objective is to provide uniform control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, and possession of alcoholic beverages in the state.