As a follow up to the Collaborative’s March gathering to discuss how to support farmers in climate change mitigation and remediation, we asked meeting attendees to rank the importance of the 30 land and farming recommendation summaries from the MA Local Food Action Plan related to helping farmers and fishermen cope with climate change. These recommendations ranged from better government support, to increased monitoring of conditions, to expanded sales support for fisheries.
The Campaign for HIP Funding has started off the 2019 budget cycle in full force, with tremendous support from legislators, a great lobby day, and the development of some new tools for advocates. The campaign steering committee has developed a $8.5 million ask for HIP in FY20. This will be enough funding to operate the program year-round, allow for moderate continued growth, and allow a few new farms to become vendors in underserved areas.
Our March newsletter includes updates on the Campaign for HIP Funding; our work on food waste, climate change, and farmland access; legislation we're tracking; and more! Read it here.
Our December newsletter features updates on HIP, a report from the 2nd Annual MA Food System Forum, introductions to new Collaborative staff members, policy updates, and more.
More than 200 advocates and practitioners from all sectors of the food system attended the 2nd annual Massachusetts Food System Forum on December 12 in Leominster. The day was spent highlighting food system stakeholders’ work over the past year, and planning for collaborative action to come.
2nd Annual Massachusetts Food System Forum Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • 9:30 am - 3:30pm DoubleTree Hotel, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster Registration Now Open
Position: Agricultural Network Coordinator Reports to: Director Hours: 20 weekly Term: 2 years, with potential for continuation depending upon funding availability. Wage: $32/hour Location: Remote, in Massachusetts Start date: November 1, 2018, or as soon as possible Applications due by October 15, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The governor has introduced, and the legislature is considering, the quadrennial environmental bond bill. The 2018 version of this spending authorization (H.4599, An Act promoting climate change adaptation, environmental and natural resource protection, and investment in recreational assets and opportunity) proposes funding for many programs supported by Plan recommendations. The Collaborative has been working with allies to ensure that this bill provides appropriate resources for programs critical to the local food system. This includes advocating for:
