Senate approves farming, agriculture legislation

The Senate on April 1 passed “An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts,” or the FARM bill, which aims to support farming and agricultural development in the Commonwealth.

The bill (S. 3040) includes several recommendations from a Special Commission on Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century, which was established to study farm viability, adaptability, and resiliency, as well as education and technical assistance needs, in changing economic, climate and energy landscapes. The commission submitted its final report to the Legislature last December.

The bill has several thematic goals:
• Strengthening the food system and food security
• Preserving prime agricultural land and addressing farmland loss
• Making farm policy work for farmers by addressing profitability and resilience
• Increasing equity in agricultural opportunities

Some provisions of note to municipalities include a standard definition of agritourism, which refers to recreational, educational or entertainment experiences for visitors provided by farms and other agricultural businesses. Agritourism, which can boost income for farmers, is currently regulated by some municipalities in Massachusetts.

The bill would charge the Department of Agricultural Resources with promulgating regulations on minimum land and revenue thresholds for agritourism that would apply statewide, so long as the activities do not unreasonably detract from agricultural production.

The bill would provide for a new tax exemption, at local option, for “any increase in value that results from the construction or reconstruction of structures” used in agricultural or farming operations, for a period of up to five years. Municipalities would be able to set a value limit on the exemption, with assessors responsible for reviewing and approving applications.

The bill has been sent to the House for its consideration.