Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2006… Economic Investment Act of 2005

Growing up in Westport, the largest dairy farming community in the Commonwealth, Michael has long been a friend of farmer's and the entire agricultural community. For the first time in 2005, he singlehandedly ensured that the agriculture industry was recognized for its important role in the Commonwealth's economy. The law established a preference for locally-grown food in state procurement and changes zoning laws to farmers to erect more farm stands throughout the state. In addition, the law allowed for value-added agriculture to take advantage of programs and financing that had once only been available to manufacturing facilities.

Michael has always been a strong supporter of SEMAP (SouthEastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership) and a strong advocate of the Buy Local Campaign, which provides state funding for the efforts to promote local agriculture through regional marketing and promotional efforts in across the state including Southeastern Mass.

Learn more about SEMAP and the Buy Local Campaign semaponline.org

Michael is a strong supporter of Senior Farm Share program, which earmarks $50,000 in the state budget for a program that provides free, fresh organic Massachusetts produce to low-income senior citizens. This program which is co-sponsored by Community Involved in Sustainable Agriculture, serves thousands of seniors throughout the Commonwealth, and helps support local farms.

Source