This bill addresses the presence and management of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) within the agricultural sector. It grants immunity to farmers from civil liability for PFAS-related damages stemming from standard agricultural practices; establishes the Agricultural PFAS Relief Fund and the Agricultural Fertilizer Purchasing Fund, which helps farmers cope with fertilization costs due to restrictions on PFAS-contained products.

This bill contains a number of provisions concerning Massachusetts' agricultural economy. It directs the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, along with other state agencies, to create and update a resilience plan every five years. It establishes a full-time food system coordinator position, who will lead state food program oversight, enhance interagency collaboration, and present findings and recommendations periodically.

The bill calls for a comprehensive policy to optimize the distribution of local food through state food assistance programs, including partnerships with regional food banks and state departments to monitor and improve local food distribution, enhancing transparency through metrics and recommendations. It also establishes the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, to increase access to healthy local foods and support Massachusetts' food supply and distribution networks through capital needs grants. In addition, the bill creates the Next Generation Farmers Fund, offering grants to educational institutions and community organizations, with an emphasis on assisting historically underserved communities. It also amends regulations to include "agritourism" and supports agricultural preservation through enhanced valuation practices for agriculture-related infrastructure and land.

Establishes the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund, a dedicated, nonlapsing fund administered by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs in consultation with the Commissioners of Agricultural Resources and Fish and Game. Capitalizes the fund with appropriations, interest, and public and private gifts and grants; holds any bond proceeds in a separate fund; and exempts fund amounts from further appropriation.

Authorizes grants and technical assistance for farms and fisheries to plan and implement climate adaptation and resiliency initiatives, including controlled climate growing, energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate-resilient management practices, nature-based solutions, resilience-related infrastructure, and data collection and monitoring, with additional eligible uses set by the Secretary and Commissioners. Requires awards to be allocated between farm and fishery applicants proportionate to the amounts requested, mandates regulations for program administration, and imposes quarterly reporting on applicants, awards, sources and uses of funds, obligation forecasts, administrative costs, and technical assistance. Takes effect upon passage.

This bill creates an Executive Office of Food Resources and Security. Headed by a governor-appointed secretary, this office will include departments of Food Production, Food Labor and Workforce Development, Food Innovation, Investment and Financial Planning, Food Security, and Nutrition and Food Health. Each department will be directed by a governor-approved commissioner with expertise in their respective field.

The Office's primary objectives are to foster sustainable food production, stimulate job creation, and enhance economic development. It also seeks to elevate nutrition standards and public health via targeted education and public relations programs. The Food Production Department will support agriculture and fishing communities, while the Food Labor and Workforce Development Department will provide incentives for food producers and address workforce needs. The Department of Food Innovation will promote the advancement of scientific research and techniques pertinent to the food sector. Also, the Investment and Financial Planning Department will determine eligibility for loans and devise strategies to reduce production costs and attract investments. The Food Security Department will work on improving food management systems and securing the state's food supplies, and the Economic Development Department will enhance marketing efforts to increase demand for locally grown foods. Finally, the Nutrition and Food Health Department will lead educational campaigns aimed at fostering healthier consumer eating habits.

Establishes the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund, a nonlapsing special fund administered by the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources in consultation with the Commissioner of Fish and Game, to provide grants and technical assistance to farms and fisheries for climate-change adaptation and resilience planning and implementation-including controlled-climate growing, energy efficiency and renewable energy, climate-resilient management practices, nature-based solutions, infrastructure, and data collection and monitoring-and other eligible purposes determined by the Secretary and the Commissioners.

Credits the fund with appropriations, interest, and public or private gifts and grants; exempts it from further appropriation and year-end reversion; prohibits donor-imposed restrictions and any other uses; and requires any bond proceeds deposited into the fund to be kept separate.

Requires awards across farm and fishery sectors with consideration of regional and sector objectives, authorizes rulemaking, and mandates quarterly reports detailing applicants and recipients and their counties, requested and awarded amounts, sector categories, an annual sources-and-uses statement, forecasts of obligated payments, administrative costs, and technical assistance provided.

Creates a comprehensive agricultural resilience framework by directing the Department of Agricultural Resources to pay farmers for third-party-verified ecosystem services and to prioritize controlled-climate agriculture, projects using renewable energy or sustainable materials, farmland preservation and access through a zero-interest revolving loan fund, and urban agriculture through targeted grants, soil testing, season-extension infrastructure, and education.

Requires agrivoltaics incentives and research; requires farm energy discounts of not less than 25 percent; expands grants for energy efficiency and electrification; and strengthens workforce and technical support by fully funding vocational agricultural programs, prioritizing on-farm internships for BIPOC and underserved communities, offering student debt relief after 10 years of agricultural work, coordinating an advisor network, and funding UMass Extension as a technical and climate-resilience hub.

Reforms grantmaking with a centralized online portal, eligibility for self-labor and used equipment, bridge loans, translation services, and biennial agricultural surveys to guide investments; and establishes a State Agriculture Resilience Task Force with biannual reporting.

Amends fiscal transfers to allocate 70 percent to the Stabilization Fund, 10 percent each to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund and the Pension Liability Fund, and 10 percent to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund; authorizes a fund under the State Treasurer that accepts public and private monies, carries forward balances, supports Department of Agricultural Resources expenditures, and covers PFAS-impacted farmers, including indemnifying those who followed approved soil-amendment practices; defines "Regenerative agriculture"; and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Prohibits land application of biosolids and bars sale or distribution of any fertilizer, soil amendment, mulch, topsoil replacement, or similar product derived from or containing biosolids; requires manufacturers to certify to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agricultural Resources that products are biosolids-free, and conditions fertilizer licensing and registration on such certification, effective June 30, 2028.

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate the economics and operations of sludge management and to develop a comprehensive statewide master plan with goals and benchmarks, technical assistance and a template for local POTW plans, consideration of specialized landfills and toxicity-reduction technologies, and resource estimates; and establishes a grant program to help wastewater treatment facility owners reduce sludge volume and influent toxicity.

Creates the Agricultural PFAS Relief Fund-financed by recoveries tied to biosolids-related contamination, appropriations, grants, federal funds, and interest-to support PFAS testing, farm business adaptations, education, worker health needs, remediation and protective infrastructure, and public testing capacity; and establishes the Agricultural Fertilizer Purchasing Fund to provide noncompetitive assistance to commercial farmers for higher fertilizer costs beginning in fiscal year 2027. Grants farmers immunity from civil liability for PFAS-related harms arising from standard agricultural practices or outside contamination, excluding producers or distributors of PFAS-containing materials (including biosolids), industrial waste actors, incinerator operators, and those who knowingly land-apply biosolids after June 30, 2028; exempts PFAS-affected farmland from conveyance and rollback taxes when removed from classification due to regulatory action; and mandates 100 percent reimbursement, discounted for inflation, of municipally certified additional sludge disposal costs.

Creates three grant programs to bolster the food system: a Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program for capital projects improving access to healthy, local food and strengthening supply and distribution; a Next Generation Farmers Fund, credited with $3 million annually from the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, for agricultural workforce training with priority for underserved populations, homeless veterans, hands-on and climate-smart training; and a Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to convert vacant lots-prioritizing environmental justice populations-through planning, land acquisition or leasing, infrastructure, start-up costs, pilot projects, tax-title transitions to agriculture, and conservation easements, with multilingual outreach and regulations. Increases the allowable price preference for agricultural products grown or produced using locally grown inputs from 10 to 20 percent and requires annual reporting on distribution of local food through state-funded food assistance programs; directs the Office of the Inspector General to publish which governmental bodies adopt the preference and to conduct periodic public information campaigns.

Strengthens farmland preservation and planning by directing a committee to set publicly reviewed goals for enrolling land in Agricultural Preservation Restrictions and to report annually on progress, requiring fair-market valuations to include easements and on-parcel infrastructure, granting the Department of Agriculture a right of first refusal-subordinate to municipalities-on sales or conversions of classified farmland, and mandating a centralized, publicly accessible registry and interactive map of agricultural and horticultural land.

Clarifies and supports agricultural land use by defining agritourism and ensuring zoning exemptions continue when agritourism is a secondary use; requires periodic review of limits on renewable energy generation on farmland to support farm viability; directs the Emergency Management Agency to integrate food production, transportation, storage, and distribution into emergency planning; expands a state council's membership by adding the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment and permits compensation for its advisory committee; revises the University Extension Board of Public Overseers; and authorizes transfer of cranberry water-use permits for mitigation.

This bill contains a number of provisions to strengthen Massachusetts' agricultural economy. It directs the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), along with other state agencies, to create and update a resilience plan every five years. It establishes a full-time food system coordinator position, who will lead state food program oversight, enhance interagency collaboration, and present findings and recommendations periodically.

The bill calls for a comprehensive policy to optimize the distribution of local food through state food assistance programs, including partnerships with regional food banks and state departments to monitor and improve local food distribution, enhancing transparency through metrics and recommendations. It establishes the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, to increase access to healthy local foods and support Massachusetts' food supply and distribution networks through capital needs grants.

The bill creates the Next Generation Farmers Fund, offering grants to educational institutions and community organizations, with an emphasis on assisting historically underserved communities. It also amends regulations to include "agritourism" and supports agricultural preservation through enhanced valuation practices for agriculture-related infrastructure and land.

This bill addresses the presence and management of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) within the agricultural sector. It grants immunity to farmers from civil liability for PFAS-related damages stemming from standard agricultural practices. The bill also establishes the Agricultural PFAS Relief Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance for testing, remediation, and education initiatives concerning PFAS, as well as for necessary infrastructure modifications. Additionally, an Agricultural Fertilizer Purchasing Fund will help farmers cope with fertilization costs due to restrictions on PFAS-contained products.

The bill prohibits the application of biosolids on land and restricts the sale of fertilizers containing PFAS unless they are certified free from such substances, requiring testing and public disclosure of results. Also, lands withdrawn from agricultural use due to PFAS will be exempt from conveyance and roll-back taxes.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is designated to develop and enforce regulations on biosolid use, while promoting transparency and public safety. Local communities will be reimbursed for any additional costs of sludge disposal. The bill also mandates a detailed study on state sludge management to reduce sludge volume and toxicity. Supported by a grant program for municipalities to enhance waste management practices, this initiative requires a comprehensive sludge management plan to be submitted by the end of 2026, identifying financial and legislative requirements.

Creates the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund as a separate, non-reverting, retained-revenue fund credited with appropriations, interest, and public or private contributions, administered by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs in consultation with the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Fish and Game, with any bond proceeds held in a segregated account.

Authorizes grants and technical assistance to farms and fisheries to plan and implement climate change adaptation and resiliency initiatives, including controlled-climate growing, energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate-resilient management practices, nature-based solutions, resilience-related infrastructure, and data collection and monitoring, as well as other eligible purposes determined by the Secretary and Commissioners. Requires proportional allocation of awards between farm and fishery sectors based on applicants' requested amounts, and directs rulemaking and quarterly reporting on applicants and recipients, grant amounts, sector categories, sources and uses of funds, obligation forecasts, administrative costs, and technical assistance activities.

This bill creates an Executive Office of Food Resources and Security. Headed by a governor-appointed secretary, this office will include departments of Food Production, Food Labor and Workforce Development, Food Innovation, Investment and Financial Planning, Food Security, and Nutrition and Food Health. Each department will be directed by a governor-approved commissioner with expertise in their respective field.

The Office's primary objectives are to foster sustainable food production, stimulate job creation, and enhance economic development. It also seeks to elevate nutrition standards and public health via targeted education and public relations programs. The Food Production Department will support agriculture and fishing communities, while the Food Labor and Workforce Development Department will provide incentives for food producers and address workforce needs. The Department of Food Innovation will promote the advancement of scientific research and techniques pertinent to the food sector. Also, the Investment and Financial Planning Department will determine eligibility for loans and devise strategies to reduce production costs and attract investments. The Food Security Department will work on improving food management systems and securing the state's food supplies, and the Economic Development Department will enhance marketing efforts to increase demand for locally grown foods. Finally, the Nutrition and Food Health Department will lead educational campaigns aimed at fostering healthier consumer eating habits.

Establishes a Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, subject to appropriation, to fund capital projects that strengthen food supply and distribution and expand equitable access to healthy, local food; creates a Next Generation Farmers Fund, administered by the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development and credited with $3,000,000 annually from the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund for agricultural workforce training, with priority criteria and annual award limits of at least $3,000,000 for agriculture training and not more than $500,000 for forest-products training; and creates a Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to convert vacant properties into farms, community gardens, and related enterprises, prioritizing environmental justice populations and providing multilingual outreach.

Grants the Department of Agricultural Resources a subordinate right of first refusal, with consultation and hearing, to purchase or meet a bona fide offer for land under the farmland taxation program; requires appraisals for agricultural preservation restrictions to include the value of easements and on-parcel infrastructure; and directs the Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee to set and publicly update enrollment goals for agricultural preservation restrictions with annual progress reporting.

Raises the allowable preference for procurement of locally grown or produced agricultural products in state and municipal purchasing from 10 to 20; requires the State Purchasing Agent to report annually on the amount, types, sources, and program-level distribution of local food in state-funded food assistance programs with recommendations to increase it; and directs the Office of the Inspector General to report and conduct periodic public information campaigns on municipal purchasing preferences. Requires the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to integrate agricultural, seafood, and processed-food production into emergency preparedness planning; mandates a central registry and interactive map of agricultural and horticultural land; clarifies agritourism in zoning and directs regulation; authorizes transfer of cranberry water-withdrawal permits for mitigation; orders periodic review of renewable-energy limits on farmland; restructures the University of Massachusetts Extension Board of Public Overseers; defines "Regenerative agriculture"; and requires a comprehensive study of safety-net benefits for farmers and farm workers, with multiple implementation deadlines.

Prohibits land application of biosolids and bans the sale or distribution of fertilizers, soil amendments, topsoil replacements, mulch, and similar products derived from or containing biosolids, effective June 30, 2028; requires manufacturer certification and conditions fertilizer licensing and registration on biosolids-free attestations.

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate statewide sludge disposal needs and, after public hearings, develop and maintain a comprehensive master plan with goals, benchmarks, and financing estimates; prioritizes technical assistance and funding for owners of publicly owned treatment works, provides a template local plan, identifies technologies and practices to reduce sludge volume and toxicity, and establishes a grant program to help wastewater facilities research, implement, and overhaul systems.

Grants farmers immunity from suit and civil liability for PFAS-related harms tied to standard agricultural practices or outside contamination, while excluding PFAS material producers and distributors (including biosolids), industrial waste entities, incinerator operators, and those who knowingly land-apply biosolids after June 30, 2028.

Creates an Agricultural PFAS Relief Fund for testing, operational adaptation, health needs, remediation, and public testing capacity, and an Agricultural Fertilizer Purchasing Fund to offset higher fertilizer costs; bars conveyance and rollback taxes when land exits agricultural use due to PFAS-related regulatory action; and reimburses municipalities 100 percent, discounted by inflation, for certified additional sludge disposal costs.

Establishes multiple grant and financing mechanisms to bolster the food system-creating a Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program for capital projects that strengthen supply and distribution and expand equitable access to fresh, local food; creating the Next Generation Farmers Fund for agricultural workforce development with priority for underserved populations, programs serving homeless veterans, and climate-smart training; and establishing the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to plan, acquire or lease land, build infrastructure, and launch pilots that convert vacant lots-especially in socially or economically disadvantaged communities-into urban agriculture. Creates a Massachusetts farm-to-school grant program to build schools' and licensed childcare programs' capacity to purchase ingredients grown, raised, caught and processed in-state, and codifies a Healthy Incentives Program that provides SNAP matching benefits for fruit and vegetable purchases while prioritizing vendor expansion in underserved areas. Requires the Emergency Management Agency to develop and regularly update a coordinated plan to support agricultural, seafood and processed food production to mitigate supply-chain disruptions; mandates an annual statewide report on the volume and sourcing of products of agriculture distributed through state-funded food assistance programs; and directs the Department of Agricultural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Revenue, to maintain a central registry and interactive, parcel-level map of agricultural and horticultural land. Defines agritourism and protects it under local zoning on land primarily used for commercial agriculture subject to agency regulations; updates review criteria for the Agricultural Preservation Restriction program; authorizes transfer of cranberry water-withdrawal registrations and permits for mitigation by other permitted or registered users; requires periodic review of restrictions on renewable energy generation on farmland with recommendations to balance farm viability and climate goals; directs recurring outreach on governmental procurement preferences for agricultural products; and reconfigures the University of Massachusetts Extension board's membership and governance.