Makes farm-to-table programs permanent, combats federal cuts and climate change threats
(BOSTON—4/1/2026) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed the FARM Bill. This agricultural legislation is aimed at supporting Massachusetts’ 7,000 farms. It will make it easier for families to buy fresh, nutritious food. It will also protect the state’s food supply for the future.
The legislation, formally known as S.3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts. It’s a major step forward in supporting Massachusetts farmers and growing the state’s agricultural economy. It builds on a recent special commission report focused on making Massachusetts agricultural operations sustainable for the 21st century.
The FARM Bill helps small-farm owners grow their businesses. It does this by removing hurdles and enabling agritourism ventures. These include operations such as corn mazes and ‘pick your own’ berry and fruit farms. The legislation also supports expanding farm operations by providing a local-option property tax exemption for new agricultural buildings.
Fresh Local Food
“Massachusetts relies on the farms and fisheries that put fresh, local food on our tables. It’s on us to make sure they can keep going and thrive,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill does exactly that. It helps farms stay open and makes it easier for families to buy fresh, local food. All while strengthening our food system for the long run. When we support our farmers, we’re supporting everyone in Massachusetts. I’m grateful to the Chairs, Rodrigues and Fernandes, for their leadership. And to Senator Comerford for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of farmers across the Commonwealth.”
“Today, the Senate took decisive action to bolster the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry. And it addresses persistent food insecurity in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Farmland is one of the most tangible assets we have in the state. This bill protects and ensures the future of farms for generations to come. By codifying essential nutrition programs, we strengthen our food assistance safety net. This safety net is threatened by both uncertainty at the federal level and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. I’m especially proud that we also strengthened our vital cranberry industry, Massachusetts’ most valuable agricultural product. I would like to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership on this bill. I also want to recognize Vice Chair Comerford and Senator Fernandes for their steadfast support of the agricultural community.”
Access to Healthy Food
The bill makes it easier to access healthy food by making the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and the Farm to School program permanent. By codifying these programs, the Senate continues its response to federal threats to food access through its Response 2025 initiative. Another Response 2025 priority requires state emergency planning to prioritize the local food supply chain amid federal cuts.
The FARM Bill requires regular reporting on the distribution of local produce through food banks, school meals, Meals on Wheels, MEFAP, and other food assistance programs. This data will help assess the damage from harmful federal actions, including the elimination of the USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which supported underserved farmers and communities.
Cost Reduction
“As Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, I’m proud to support the Senate’s effort to build a more resilient and sustainable food system in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Dylan A. Fernandes (D-Falmouth), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “The FARM Bill will expand access to fresh, locally grown food while putting more money into the hands of our farmers and fishermen. By reducing costs, strengthening supply chains, and expanding reliable markets, this legislation makes strategic investments in an industry essential to our economy, environment, and community health. I’m deeply grateful to Senator Comerford for championing this bill and to the work of the Senate President and Ways and Means Chair for bringing it to the floor.”
“Today, the Senate advanced urgently-needed legislation to support the farms, producers, and fisheries that are the foundation of our local and regional food systems,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), co-Chair of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century and Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries.
“In western and north central Massachusetts, where agriculture is core to our economy and identity, we know that when we lose farmland, we lose far more than fields—we lose livelihoods, food security, and community. This legislation reflects the recommendations of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century—a body that I was proud to co-chair. I’m grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues for their steadfast leadership. With the FARM Bill, Massachusetts is stepping up—investing in the next generation of farms and fisheries while ensuring more local, nutritious food reaches Massachusetts families.”
Supporting Farmers and Growing the Agricultural Economy
The legislation includes key provisions to help farmers remain viable and expand their operations. New farm buildings and structures would receive a five-year property tax exemption under a local option program added to the bill today. Senators voted 38-0 to adopt the property tax exemption (Amendment 5).
The bill also expands opportunities for farmers to participate in agritourism, makes the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program permanent, and eases the water permitting process for cranberry growers.
Planning for the Future of Agriculture and Climate Change
The FARM Bill includes forward-looking initiatives to protect farmland and improve long-term planning by creating a statewide agricultural land database and improving the evaluation of the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program to ensure long-term sustainability.
It directs emergency planning efforts to prioritize local food production and avoid supply chain disruptions, and explores renewable energy opportunities on farmland, balancing clean energy goals with agricultural land preservation.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the legislation to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on March 23, 2026. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website, and full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate Press Room.
The Senate passed the bill on a 39-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.
