Bill > H3331

This bill establishes the Executive Office of Food Resources and Security, a comprehensive state agency designed to support, develop, and oversee food production in Massachusetts. The new office will be led by a secretary appointed by the governor and will encompass eight distinct departments: food production, food labor and workforce development, food innovation and research, investment and financing, food security and labeling, economic development for locally-produced food, nutrition and food health, and self-sufficiency for food production. Each department will be headed by a commissioner and will have specific responsibilities such as fostering food producers, promoting job creation, developing nutrition programs, supporting research, creating workforce development initiatives, improving food security, and working towards making Massachusetts more self-sufficient in food production. The bill provides detailed guidelines for the office's operations, including the ability to coordinate between departments, resolve administrative conflicts, conduct comprehensive planning, and seek collaborations with higher education institutions. The ultimate goals are to strengthen local food production, support food producers, enhance food security, promote healthy eating, and create economic opportunities in the food production sector. The office will have broad powers including entering into contracts, accepting grants, coordinating with local governments, and developing strategic policies to improve the state's food production ecosystem.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3331