By CHRIS COLLINS
(Boston, MA) — More money is on the way to support farming efforts in Massachusetts.
A recent supplemental budget signed into law by Governor Baker included $500,000 for statewide Buy Local organizations to continue efforts to expand consumer purchasing of locally grown food that supports local agriculture and farms. The funding was secured through budget amendments offered by State Senator Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer) and State Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Sunderland).
“Our farms play an integral role in our local economies and food system. Like everyone, they have been impacted by the COVID19 pandemic,” said Blais. “This funding will go a long way in sustaining their viability and enhancing their success with community support.”
In FY07, the Legislature provided funding for the original four Buy Locals. Since then, Blais said the Legislature has supported an increase in funding to $500,000 annually to grow the number of Buy Locals to cover every region in the state.
“The necessity of their work has only increased during the COVID19 pandemic as Massachusetts farms endeavor to identify new customers and/or maintain the customers they have gained,” Blais added.
“During this pandemic, farms have come through with food for our families. What is vital is that we keep this direct commerce going between farms and communities even as the challenges continue. The efforts of Sen. Gobi and Rep. Blais, the Legislature and the Administration will go a long way to fund these economic connections throughout the Commonwealth,” said Phil Korman, Executive Director of CISA, the Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture
According to the state Agriculture Department, Massachusetts is home to 7,241 farms on 491,653 acres. Almost 26,000 people are directly employed by farms, generating over $475 million in agricultural goods. In the state, 94% of the farms are small and 80% are family or individually owned, with the average farm producing $65,624 worth of agricultural products on 68 acres.