The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food SystemThe FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth.
As the descendant of Falmouth strawberry farmers, I know how important agriculture is for a healthy food system and the thousands of Massachusetts families who depend on it. My great-grandparents were among the many Azorean Americans who farmed Falmouth's strawberry fields. At its peak, before World War II, Falmouth produced more strawberries than any town in the country. Today, that legacy endures in a single remaining farm: Tony Andrews Farm, now stewarded by the town. This decline is visible across the Commonwealth. Since 1945, the number of farms in the state has declined from 35,000 to about 6,000. Much of that farmland has been developed into shopping centers, industrial parks, and housing—reflecting a changing economy and the cost of limited land. What's HappeningEven as these changes reshape our landscape, the need for a sustainable food system remains constant. With emerging threats like climate change and supply chain disruptions, it's imperative that we act to support healthy, locally grown food. That's why as Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, I'm proud that a Committee priority, Senate Bill 3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts—or the FARM Bill—has advanced out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and will be debated on the Senate floor next week. I want to recognize and congratulate my colleague Senator Jo Comerford for her leadership on bringing this bill forward. Why It MattersMassachusetts is home to more than 7,000 farms and fishing operations, spanning 500,000 acres—10 per cent of the state's land—and generating over $10 billion in economic activity. The FARM Bill will help preserve and strengthen this industry which supports our economy, feeds our families, and contributes to a sustainable future.
One key provision requires the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to develop a plan to support agriculture, seafood, and processed food during emergencies to mitigate food supply chain disruptions. In crises like storms and pandemics, producers often lose access to markets and can't transport goods. This provision will ensure that farms and fisheries can continue operating, treating them as essential infrastructure rather than an afterthought. The FARM Bill also codifies key programs that support local agriculture and public health. The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps residents purchase fresh produce from local farms. The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program strengthens supply chains and expands access to local foods. The FRESH program helps schools and early education centers increase local food purchasing. This legislation makes these programs permanent. Additionally, the bill directs the state to make recommendations for increasing the use of local food in assistance programs, creating stable markets for farmers while strengthening supply chains and supporting fresh, local food.
The FARM Bill also supports our cranberry industry, Massachusetts' most valuable agricultural product. The Cranberry Revitalization Task Force, which includes colleagues like Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and former Senator Vinny deMacedo, recommended we adopt language empowering cranberry bog farmers to transfer their Water Management Act permit rights. That language, filed in Senate Bill 602, An Act relative to cranberry water use transfer program, is included in this legislation. The FARM Bill is about resilience—ensuring our farmers and fishermen can withstand disruptions, our land and water remain productive, and our food system is prepared for future challenges. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth. While Falmouth may no longer be the strawberry capital of the United States, Massachusetts continues to invest in its agricultural future through legislation that protects and strengthens our farmland for generations to come. What Happens Next
For Your ConsiderationIf the issue of supporting farming families is important to you, please:
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Showing posts with label farm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farm. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2026
The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food System
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Chicken Tending Workshop scheduled by Night Owl Farm - March 7
Our annual chicken workshop is back!
Night Owl Farm Franklin, MA
Learn everything you need to know about chickens.
Let me answer all your questions!!
Shared from -
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Mike, the rescue pig, was the 1st on the journey toward "More Farm Than Fancy" (audio)
FM #1635 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1639 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Lauren & Ryan Maloney. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, January 18, 2026
Our conversation covers
Their journey from a few pets to a farm with over 40 animal rescues
To let them live a good life
The 'a ha' moment for “More Farm Than Fancy”
The product line to help with funding the animals care
The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1639-more-farm-than-fancy-01-18-26/--------------
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| Lauren & Ryan Maloney |
Follow “More Farm Than Fancy” on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1329150158885351
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_farm_than_fancy/
Visit their web page -> https://morefarmthanfancy.com/
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
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| Mike, the rescue pig |
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The FUSF Food Justice Team invites you to Join us for a screening of “Common Ground” and a Potluck - Feb 22
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| https://commongroundfilm.org/ |
The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy”.
Enjoy a potluck while watching or feel free to bring your own lunch. Admission is free. The screening and post-film discussion will take place at the First Universalist Society at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.
Please also mark your calendars for March 8, 2026 when the discussion of regenerative agriculture farming practices continues with a discussion with Ali Coakley, proprietor, Night Owl Farm, Franklin MA.
The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
"More Farm Than Fancy" doing good for farm animal rescues
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| "More Farm Than Fancy" doing good for farm animal rescues |
"We are the Maloney Family from Franklin, MA and we rescue farm animals from local shelters or from other families/owners that can no longer provide the best living situation for their farm pet.
We started the More Farm Than Fancy line with all proceeds going to offset the cost of care for the animals we have at our home.
Would love to have some new customers and followers and we would also love the help to share it out!
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CqYaY3Uy5/
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