Bill > H111

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to study and develop recommendations for promoting equity in agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 22 members representing various state agencies, legislative caucuses, farming associations, and organizations focused on diverse communities, including representatives from African American, Cape Verdean, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Caribbean, Native American, and Alaskan Native groups. The commission's mandate is to investigate ways to improve equity in agriculture, with a specific focus on areas such as data collection, grant program access, legislative and regulatory processes, and departmental programs. The members will be expected to represent diverse agricultural knowledge from both urban and rural contexts. The commission is required to hold at least three public hearings across different regions of Massachusetts, with at least one in a rural area and one in an urban area. By December 31, 2027, the commission must file a comprehensive report with legislative clerks, including recommendations and potential legislative actions to address agricultural equity. The Department of Agricultural Resources will provide staff and support for the commission's work, and the final report will be made publicly available on their website.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H111