MA S53

Creates 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 representing the Department of Agricultural Resources, legislative caucuses, farming associations, food system organizations, and various state commissions on minority affairs

Commission must investigate equitable access to grant programs, data collection, land access and protection programs, farmer technical assistance, marketing programs, and legislative/regulatory processes affecting agriculture

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

Final report with recommendations and any necessary legislation due by December 31, 2027, to be filed with the legislature and published on the Department of Agricultural Resources website