Senator Oliveira Applauds Senate Passage of FARM Bill, Highlights Impact on Western Massachusetts and Regional Equity

BOSTON — State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) is applauding the Massachusetts Senate’s unanimous passage of S.3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, emphasizing its importance for Western Massachusetts and the region’s agricultural economy.  

The legislation, commonly referred to as the FARM Bill, passed during the Senate’s formal session on Wednesday and makes significant investments in local farms, strengthens food access programs, and supports long-term agricultural sustainability across the Commonwealth. 
 
“For Western Massachusetts, agriculture is not just an industry, it is a cornerstone of our regional economy and identity,” said Senator Oliveira. “This bill recognizes that reality and makes meaningful investments to ensure our farms, families, and food systems can thrive for generations to come.”  

Western Massachusetts is home to a large share of the Commonwealth’s farmland, including family-owned farms, dairy operations, and specialty crop producers. Senator Oliveira highlighted that the FARM Bill delivers targeted support for these operations by:  

• Expanding opportunities for agritourism, helping farms diversify revenue through activities like farm stands and pick-your-own operations   
• Establishing a local option property tax exemption for new agricultural buildings, reducing costs for farmers looking to grow   
• Making permanent the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program, which supports critical investments in farm and food system infrastructure   

“These provisions help level the playing field for farms in Western Massachusetts, where operating costs are high, and margins are often tight,” Oliveira said. “This is about keeping farms viable and ensuring our rural communities remain economically strong.”  
The bill also permanently codifies key food access programs, including the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and Farm to School initiatives, which connect families and students with fresh, locally grown food. 
 
The legislation also enhances data tracking across food assistance programs, helping the state better understand and respond to food insecurity, particularly in light of federal cuts to nutrition and local food purchasing programs.   
Recognizing the long-term challenges facing agriculture, the FARM Bill includes forward-looking measures to protect farmland and improve planning, such as creating a statewide agricultural land database and updating the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program.   

Senator Oliveira emphasized that these provisions are critical for Western Massachusetts, where development pressures and land costs can threaten the future of farming.  

“When we talk about regional equity, we are talking about making sure Western Massachusetts has the tools and resources to preserve its agricultural land and support the next generation of farmers,” Oliveira said. “This bill takes an important step in that direction.”  

Senator Oliveira emphasized that the FARM Bill reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that state policy recognizes the unique needs of regions outside Greater Boston.  

“Massachusetts goes past Worcester, and this legislation reflects that,” Oliveira said. “By investing in agriculture, food access, and rural infrastructure, we are making sure Western Massachusetts receives its fair share and remains a vital part of the Commonwealth’s future.”  

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.