Bill > H4745

This bill aims to support farm diversification and sustainability in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. The Department of Agricultural Resources can now grant special permits to allow non-agricultural activities on land subject to agricultural preservation restrictions, as long as the land is actively used for full-time commercial agriculture, the permit is for at least 1 year (renewable), and it does not undermine the intent of preserving the land for agricultural use. The department can also issue a 1-year trial permit to evaluate a proposal for non-agricultural activities. 2. The bill expands the right to appeal the department's decisions on special permits to any landowner of land subject to an agricultural preservation restriction. 3. The bill establishes a special legislative commission to study and develop recommendations for supporting investments, policies, and practices designed to promote equity in agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups in Massachusetts, such as racial and ethnic minorities. The commission will investigate ways to improve data collection, access to grant programs, and equity in the department's programs and services.