Bill > H132

This bill establishes two interconnected agricultural programs within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources: the Local Garden Agriculture Program and the Community Agriculture Gardens Program. The Local Garden Agriculture Program aims to help Massachusetts residents establish small-scale personal food gardens by providing grants that include gardening tools, seeds, raised garden beds, and instructional materials. Applicants can request specific items and will be prioritized based on lower household income. Grant recipients are prohibited from using chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and cannot sell or trade the items they receive. The Community Agriculture Gardens Program enables residents in specific geographic areas to create community-owned agricultural cooperatives that can receive grants ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 based on the number of residents. These cooperatives will establish community gardens, elect boards of directors, and focus on producing locally-grown, nutritionally valuable food using environmentally sustainable practices. Both programs emphasize reducing carbon emissions, increasing local food production, and promoting ecological agricultural methods. The bill includes detailed provisions for grant applications, cooperative governance, financial management, and technical support to ensure the success of these community-focused agricultural initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H132