Bill > H4855

This bill establishes the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to support converting unused urban and suburban properties into farms, community gardens, and agricultural enterprises. The fund will be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and can receive money from appropriations, public and private sources, and earned interest. The fund prioritizes projects in environmental justice populations, focusing on economic development, food security, climate resilience, agricultural education, job training, and food donation. Grants can be used for developing urban farming plans, purchasing or leasing land, renovating infrastructure, establishing pilot programs, transferring tax-foreclosed land to agricultural use, and protecting land with conservation easements. The department must provide outreach materials in multiple languages and file an annual report detailing grant applicants, recipients, requested and awarded amounts, and the number of environmental justice populations served. The bill defines "vacant lot" as a property not actively used for at least a year (excluding properties under renovation) and "urban agriculture" as agricultural activities in urban and suburban areas consistent with existing agricultural definitions.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4855