The local food system relies on wise public policy to function well. Laws and regulations about land, natural resources, health and safety, and other issues all impact how sustainable and equitable our food system is, as do public investments in programs. Across the food chain, policy impacts how our food is produced and who is producing it, what food is available, at what prices, and who that food is available to. Much of that policy occurs at the state level, and food and agricultural policy is at the intersection of many other issues in our communities, including racial equity, economics, and health.
There are many ways for state representatives and senators to use their office to support the fight to make Massachusetts’ food system more sustainable, equitable and resilient. Voters need to know how elected officials will stand up for these issues and work with partners in their districts to further their shared goals.
Food insecurity has remained high after the pandemic, and investments like the Healthy Incentives Program, Local Food Purchase Assistance, and state-funded SNAP need continuing support. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, farmland in the Commonwealth is the fourth most expensive in the country at $13,800 per acre, making farming out of reach for many young and aspiring armers. Farmers earn $0.95 for every $1 they invest into their business, deeply impacting farm’s economic sustainability. Deep impacts from global warming, from flooding one season to drought the next, impact our farmers’ ability to plan and harvest their crops. These are just some of the issues facing our local food system, that demand legislative attention and action.
The Collaborative will be working to educate candidates for state representative and senator about issues facing the local food system during the 2024 election cycle. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the Collaborative will not endorse any candidates for election.
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