Bill > H119

This bill establishes the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund, a dedicated financial resource to help Massachusetts farms and fisheries address climate change challenges. The fund will be administered by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs and can receive money from state appropriations, interest earnings, gifts, grants, and donations. The primary purpose of the fund is to support agricultural and fishing businesses in planning and implementing climate adaptation strategies, such as developing climate-resilient management practices, improving energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy, and creating infrastructure that can withstand climate impacts. The fund will provide grants to farms and fisheries, with funding distributed proportionally across different agricultural and fishing sectors. Recipients can use the grants for activities like climate adaptation planning, seeking implementation resources, and executing priority projects. The bill requires the secretary to file quarterly reports detailing grant applicants, recipients, funding amounts, and administrative costs, and to consult with agricultural and fishery departments in developing program guidelines. The fund's money will not be subject to further appropriation, and any unspent funds will not revert to the general fund, ensuring consistent support for climate resilience efforts in the agricultural and fishing industries.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H119