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A new farm bill, what’s in it for Massachusetts?
After years of work, we have a new 2008 Farm Bill. What does it mean for you and your community? From the foods we eat, to protecting farms from development, to helping keep our drinking water clean—the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 has many programs that affect all of us everyday.
Creating a Food Policy Council in Massachusetts
 Diverse organizations representing food, farm, and nutrition interests in Massachusetts are working hard to enact a statewide Food Policy Council for the commonwealth. Key legislative advocates Rep. Stephen Kulik and Rep. Linda Forry recently met with Gov. Deval Patrick to enlist his support for a Food Policy Council bill. American Farmland Trust and other advocates envision a food policy council that will enhance the economic viability of Massachusetts agriculture; promote food security; expand production and consumption of fresh, healthy, safe and locally produced foods; and improve the nutritional health of the commonwealth’s citizens.
The Environmental Bond Bill
This year, the Massachusetts Legislature will consider an Environmental Bond that funds programs important to Massachusetts farmers, consumers and the environment. These programs include the:
- Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program
- Farm Viability Enhancement Program
- Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program
There will be no funding for many of these programs and initiatives next year if the legislature does not act.
In April, hundreds of supporters went to the Boston State House to tell legislators that Massachusetts needs an Environmental Bond now.
Show your support, take action now to help pass the Environmental Bond this session!
Agricultural Day Celebrations
AFT No Farms No Food lapel stickers were in strong demand during "Agriculture Day" celebrations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Representative Dennis Guyer of Massachusetts, in a speech to participants, noted that No Farms No Food says it all.
Consideration for
state conservation tax credits
Legislators in Massachusetts are considering the use of conservation tax credits to encourage land protection. House Bill 799 would make landowners eligible for a tax credit worth 50% of the value of a donated conservation easement on farm or forest land. Already adopted in 11 states, the concept of state conservation tax credits is gaining ground as an additional tool in the land protection portfolio.
"State Conservation Tax Credits: Impact and Analysis" by Conservation Resource Center, available at FIC.
Patrick Administration Proposes 65% Increase in Land Conservation Funding
Massachusetts' Patrick Administration has announced its intent to spend $50 million on state land conservation programs in FY 2008, a 65 percent increase in the average annual spending over the previous four years. Of the $50 million, at least $11 million will be earmarked for the commonwealth's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) and Farm Viability Enhancement Programs. Administration officials also released a five-year capital plan that calls for a minimum of $50 million for land conservation each year. AFT and other Commonwealth Conservation Council members applauded the announcement.
training farmland protection leaders
 In the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts, American Farmland Trust has reached out to advance farmland protection at the municipal-level, including developing and delivering training curriculums for town agricultural commission members. By offering training to volunteer boards, we are preparing them to proactively engage in farmland protection and planning for agriculture efforts at the local level—a crucial element in this home-rule state.
joining farms and urban consumers
In western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, an innovative CISA program is building new bridges between farms and urban consumers. The Farm2City project aims to open new markets and strengthen existing markets in Hampden County, Massachusetts for local farmers while improving access to farmers’ markets in urban areas for low income and minority consumers. Farm2City is going one step further to increase the availability and accessibility of fresh, local foods by bringing farm-fresh produce to urban workplaces and other community locations.
Contact Us
New England Field Office
Cris Coffin, New England States Director
1 Short Street, Suite 2
Northampton, MA 01060-3952
(p)413-586-9330 ext. 29
(f)413-586-9332
ccoffin@farmland.org
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