Bill > S41

This bill establishes a special legislative commission on agricultural equity to develop recommendations for supporting investments, policies, and practices designed to promote equity in agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of various stakeholders, including government officials, legislators, and representatives from farming associations and non-profit organizations. The commission will investigate and study ways to increase equity in agriculture, with a focus on data collection, benchmark development, transparency in grantmaking, equity in laws and regulations, and improving equity in the programs and services offered by the Department of Agricultural Resources. The commission will hold public hearings, and within 18 months, file a report with its findings and recommendations, including any necessary legislation.