MA H111

Establishes a special legislative commission to study and recommend investments, policies, and practices promoting equity in agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups including African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Caribbean Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan natives

Commission membership includes approximately 20 members from state agencies, legislative caucuses, farming associations, food system organizations, and cultural commissions, co-chaired by the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources

Commission must address data collection, benchmark development, equitable access to grants, improvements to Department of Agricultural Resources programs (land access, technical assistance, marketing), and legislative/regulatory equity

Requires at least 3 public hearings across the commonwealth, including at least 1 in a rural area and 1 in an urban area with potential for increased urban agriculture

Report with recommendations and any proposed legislation due by December 31, 2027, to be filed with legislative clerks and committees and published on the Department of Agricultural Resources website