[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5984666,"mediaKeyId","5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e","parentId",5761403,"title","Nantucket seeks temporary authority to refine local fertilizer rules to protect harbor water quality","audioSeconds",61,"startMs",6394000,"endMs",6455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e&start=6394&end=6455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e/thumbnail_6394000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5984666/Massachusetts/Nantucket-seeks-temporary-authority-to-refine-local-fertilizer-rules-to-protect-harbor-water-quality","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984666-40e3155049dbe8ef3516bd02fc5eb787/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917471&Signature=h1zqfHbLewRnqUXChy2TLnJ6kQwzvBWUH9xHL3996mc9w7uWApWE2ciFgPPZv3fuJBBBdV9XW8vh0yeIgY7118YT2-KBR6GfctA3rtb8Tkwx00myTiro52Rv0zA~JLEgQTX6v3Heyk0~bmR8-aGvxE7ezeUPXnw2NyfCCr~4CpOIFb0iM0bYa8HYAMpDWldNNLgk~aElv9wJ2mU8v9bFkhM9zrcJpbpWLM~1sroJDZsEbAVkq0fIqqWfOK~lXCmUc7xHQNb84d4W0QzRd2F4jZb-ykMB8boO7k~-bVTaxnEvtl6LKdnUA4BCfRH46TNUtMaO-F7a~Db878qE1ILasw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Massachusetts Legislature","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Representatives of the Nantucket Land and Water Council and the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association asked the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to report H4437 favorably. The bill would provide a two‑year window for the town to adopt amendments to existing local fertilizer regulations that were adopted in 2012, before state regulations that later limited municipal authority.

\"The purpose of this bill is really to give us a window to make some simple amendments, such as the time of application and some reporting requirements,\" said Emily Molden, executive director of the Nantucket Land and Water Council. Witnesses said their harbor monitoring program—installed in 2024—collects water quality indicators and will inform regulatory updates designed to reduce nutrient runoff and protect eelgrass, shellfish and public‑use waters.

Testimony noted the town’s unique environmental setting: limited freshwater inputs, sensitive coastal systems and a significant tourism economy that depends on clean water. Supporters asked the committee to permit a narrowly tailored municipal regulatory update so Nantucket can act on local monitoring data without being precluded by state regulation differences. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries - 9-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Island environmental groups and town advocates asked the committee to pass H4437, a limited bill that would allow Nantucket a two‑year window to amend its existing fertilizer regulations to better protect coastal water quality, citing local monitoring data and island runoff concerns.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MA, Massachusetts","taxId",77682,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5984671,"Berkshire pilot bill seeks to connect farms with schools, hospitals and corrections to boost farmer revenues",233,1034000,1267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e&start=1034&end=1267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e/thumbnail_1034000.jpg","/articles/5984671/Massachusetts/Berkshire-pilot-bill-seeks-to-connect-farms-with-schools-hospitals-and-corrections-to-boost-farmer-revenues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984671-acdae673f15f34340f57913037d45771/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917470&Signature=AYAdGUtgA8XeW2egP8lylO9-VzwYyazooQb7MBo76b89BZKa-Q4TvRQjyX9MUqixpady5K8s~L20iHEn2bb26~0wNkpVdLC0k8XkerNNTBz5N2B9fbgEaisQ8LwiTF6n5oIHejEAOFixglPlaimSuUxy7amVLqrWHwYr9QzrAmjAXZMeyAFSpTwlyVH1H8uQdi6lK0lEj-1E~PcJuOLESCePql9tLJvhcWAqwpw8yo3vVeZDrocyHeyvSHGpPQNMRk0Cp6AFdM2ES8FwSlzMrbBCWuiWaQt2CtI5MxALUrdfHDIMLPbo3qWH6NAi5fOxRuXpVaOSLCpMjuaIriH1ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Berkshire Bounty and local nonprofits urged the committee to support H4106, a three‑year farm‑to‑institution pilot designed to expand institutional markets for Massachusetts farmers.

\"Institutions purchase millions of dollars in food annually. Redirecting even a small percentage of that spending to Massachusetts farms creates a significant economic opportunity for farmers,\" said Jake Levin, local food systems program manager at Berkshire Agricultural Ventures. Witnesses described common barriers: institutions often lack capacity to receive deliveries from multiple small farms, they need aggregation and processing services, and dining services sometimes lack knowledge of available local suppliers.

Testimony cited regional examples such as Williams College, UMass dining efforts and Island Grown Initiative on Martha’s Vineyard as models. Sponsors said the pilot would build replicable infrastructure and partnerships, support food‑rescue organizations and strengthen distribution links between producers and schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other large buyers. The committee did not vote on the measure during the hearing.","Supporters told the committee H4106 would create a three‑year farm‑to‑institution pilot in Berkshire County and gateway cities to develop value‑chain infrastructure and procurement models so institutions can buy more local food.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5984676,"Advocates urge funding to convert vacant lots into urban farms, citing food access and community benefits",984,4548000,5532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e&start=4548&end=5532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e/thumbnail_4548000.jpg","/articles/5984676/Massachusetts/Advocates-urge-funding-to-convert-vacant-lots-into-urban-farms-citing-food-access-and-community-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984676-70a1efe63ad0a127b2333c3095584427/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917470&Signature=icOPbOwlWSUbdQPEOG3Es5CSSy2fjusQBBIRXvg6Z5eyMt6~5DGL3maId7viz794K93bMyma-ywUJtuSirajHO9TDxDluG0NZ4~yMVHrqQ7rMl78dFW5BelmF7DFlrATnFCOv33ms9VN71lIPd~cF2G4MXeASgOb~ykbowY5q7zwjvPMr-54zmG5XU7dNwCmvQ74UyXiXViCn52PtKoOhQMxhb5~T5-4okmbVHpn1SJpIj26azwwXVWY~4wpqW6U~a-n1gdLFh7C05ctvoaaxCvEFHRBBp6C4-ctnqbde-WYum0QUq58bK1HXJ3vc5VemWphrV4QBhhIKCCHPtJj3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents, urban growers and municipal leaders testified in favor of bills H121/S61 to establish a vacant‑lots‑to‑urban‑farmland fund. Witnesses described local projects that arose from small public‑ or community‑led investments and said a scalable state program could accelerate that work across cities.

\"This bill is important because urban agriculture is beneficial for air quality, economic development, and reducing urban heat island effects,\" said Morgan Barlin of Easty Farm in East Boston. GrowBoston’s director, Shani Fletcher, explained that Boston’s GrowBoston program has converted more than 28 acres across 150 parcels into food‑producing open space and that many municipalities lack the capacity to subsidize land acquisition and development.

Youth and workforce benefits were emphasized: students and FFA members described how hands‑on farm programs build job skills and civic engagement. “We would like to see urban farmland scaled up so youth can learn where food comes from and pursue agricultural careers,” said a representative of the Franklin County FFA chapter.

Witnesses also urged that the fund support ongoing operating costs (utilities, staffing, equipment), not only acquisition. No committee vote was taken at the hearing; proponents asked the committee to report the bill favorably to allow a statewide program to be developed.","Supporters — including community farms, municipal programs and youth groups — told the committee H121/S61 would expand productive urban green space, improve food access and provide job and youth training opportunities by funding conversion and ongoing maintenance of vacant lots into community farms and gardens.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":80,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":83,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5984681,"Joint committee hears support for broad Farm Bill to shore up farmland, markets and workforce",3718,4752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e&start=1034&end=4752","/articles/5984681/Massachusetts/Joint-committee-hears-support-for-broad-Farm-Bill-to-shore-up-farmland-markets-and-workforce","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984681-e1a8b884cb404a8bc663891969383ce1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917470&Signature=oON1YGesrjC3~2BLjY~w56AjA56tJ~R19Aj1ypDzzSCNdDkpGrP6-g2jgEg~gwMlVFYzwHUf5~V5fdOXePa8oPkXErpKrfwJDHr-yKkL-H3I9dmACNdMQLqpfNLENXeTjgwSuMuaViE63nL7rcQT-D7CQl74G1bt79MIQq0VfU5aTnto05EVoR7CH6lBoA~d4uCgUvyXf~ufLXRtrN~TNExoJtO04G5yfrocHNyUofZqzxZ15Q~BVRx7MVCKxcV9YSfrm5gfz71TkbIJcO7KyeH2eqz2ANt~o5buY9M0RsvgXsrWSeT8QMXnN37EBUlXUQd1mWJKh2mQC6ZTW6pNPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers heard broad support for H112/S55, an omnibus “Farm Bill” that would create multiple programs to boost farm viability, preserve farmland and expand markets. Testimony from farm organizations, buy‑local groups and food‑access nonprofits emphasized the bill’s range of provisions: improved state procurement of Massachusetts‑grown food, preservation tools for at‑risk farmland, a Next Generation Farmers Fund, and codified food‑security infrastructure grants.

“Local agriculture plays a key role in the Commonwealth’s food system and economy,” said Margaret Moulton, executive director of Berkshire Grown. She and other witnesses urged the committee to adopt language that helps farms sell into state food assistance and institutional markets and to protect farmland from development through expanded APR options. Karen Schwalbe of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau said the bill’s agritourism, education and workforce sections would provide important revenue and training for small farms.

Advocates also asked the committee to make the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program durable and more flexible, including allowing used equipment purchases in some circumstances. “The Food Security Infrastructure Grant provides funding for equipment essential to the longevity and growth of farm businesses,” said Honeybee Puder of CMAP, who described scenarios where tractors, cold storage or processing equipment made a difference for farm viability.

The bill would also direct MDAR and partner agencies to maximize local purchases through state food assistance programs, an item backed by food bank representatives who said that existing MEFAP spending already benefits Massachusetts producers. No committee vote was taken during the hearing; sponsors and witnesses requested further work and a favorable report so provisions could be folded into the legislative process.","Sponsors and farm groups told the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries that H112/S55 would strengthen Massachusetts agriculture through procurement, farmland preservation, workforce training, agritourism and grants to modernize infrastructure, and they urged a favorable report.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5984684,"Massachusetts committee hears wide support for ban on land application of sludge amid PFAS concerns",3424,817000,4241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e&start=817&end=4241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5761403-104b3be438fbeae6d0435d982bea6f8e/thumbnail_817000.jpg","/articles/5984684/Massachusetts/Massachusetts-committee-hears-wide-support-for-ban-on-land-application-of-sludge-amid-PFAS-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984684-070ab3ab683fc399d29a640204922e4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917470&Signature=TVccLTUkSn7VmEswMpEIr-EqpIfef4FIGqGF3krZfkvu2yrGt~uF~SN4emQVchVoww8bGMDIn3GyxCc19~WYpHj1zUm73oQqISAOotEf2aQDKFmVA6XYQRRttGRn-uywCC0AeOshgEgZo-PHS3u3uGCrqeCqMdLqwE-nnfhbrlYLwcnnIFEk7zjW3upNA7YwMYlmHceddCiG04EMyvEd7UOqrLoiwEUquKaeryvpvq~kzffloVVv1gb28N5jp-rf-yGs2q3ipKv7BvAnDsPNBGNCCaJcCpD-bP8MNCCTS6SQgpuZfWjVllPHRWnxwZL7xsmMm4DjZRtmaJZ0tBmX0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers heard extensive testimony Wednesday about proposed legislation (H109/S56) that would ban the land application of wastewater sludge and create an agricultural PFAS relief fund to help farmers facing contamination. Speakers representing environmental nonprofits, farmers and public-health organizations told the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries that PFAS—so-called “forever chemicals”—are persistent in soils and can move into water, crops and animals.

Advocates described recent findings and practical impacts. “The science is clear that PFAS and sludge poses significant risks to human health and the environment,” said Erica Kaiser McKeown, senior attorney, Conservation Law Foundation. Several witnesses recounted Maine’s experience, where the legislature banned land application and established funding to help impacted farmers; Adam Nordell, who testified about his farm in Maine, said state support had kept many farms operating.

Farm and farm‑support organizations pushed for protections for farmers who followed accepted practices in the past. “Farmers didn’t create these chemicals and shouldn’t have to risk losing their livelihood for following what was considered best practices,” said Susan Murray, executive director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership. Witnesses asked the committee to add provisions in the bill that would provide liability protection and direct financial relief and to require testing of fertilizer and soil amendments.

Panelists and public witnesses referenced state and federal studies and testing. Several speakers cited recent Department of Defense notifications to 11 Massachusetts farms near military sites and reported high multiples of the federal drinking‑water standard at some locations. Witnesses also cited state testing showing PFAS in residual products and in some composts and pellets used on agricultural land.

No committee action was taken during the hearing; testimony will be considered as the committee decides next steps. Advocates urged a favorable report so the measures can reach the Legislature’s next stage.

Ending: If the committee advances the bills, advocates said the measures would both stop additional PFAS loading to farm soils and create a pathway to test, remediate and financially assist farms that already show contamination.","At a joint hearing, farmers, environmental groups and public-health advocates urged the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to advance H109/S56 to ban land application of wastewater sludge, create a fund to help affected farms and shield farmers from liability for legacy contamination by PFAS.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Nantucket seeks temporary authority to refine local fertilizer rules to protect harbor water quality

Berkshire pilot bill seeks to connect farms with schools, hospitals and corrections to boost farmer revenues

Advocates urge funding to convert vacant lots into urban farms, citing food access and community benefits

Joint committee hears support for broad Farm Bill to shore up farmland, markets and workforce

Massachusetts committee hears wide support for ban on land application of sludge amid PFAS concerns