by Annie Sholar

Celebrating Victories
NOFA/Mass’s Senior Policy Advisor Marty Dagoberto explains that the Ag Days event is “very much a celebration” of the work and changes made to improve Massachusetts’s agricultural sector over the past year. Policy Coordinator Randy Violette, attending his first Ag Days event, agreed, pointing to the “overwhelming air of positive energy” in the room during award presentations and one-on-one conversations.
This year, there were several moments of celebration. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle introduced the 12 high school seniors who will serve as the inaugural members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council.
NOFA/Mass was also happy to see Representative Paul Schmid presented with the Kent Lage Memorial Award, honoring his commitment to Massachusetts agriculture. Rep. Schmid has long been a champion for agricultural priorities in the statehouse, and his support was essential to passing the Healthy Soils Program bill. We’re pleased to see his dedication and hard work recognized by the state and the agricultural community.

The inaugural Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council
Photo credit: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
In Conversation
While at Ag Days, NOFA/Mass staff also had the opportunity to connect with legislators and their staffers about two of our priority bills for this year:
1. Center farmers with PFAS reforms
Our farming community must not bear the burden of protecting our families and ecosystems from PFAS “forever chemicals.”
H.4288, “An Act protecting our soil and farms from PFAS contamination,” will provide financial and liability relief should farmers’ ability to grow crops be impacted by PFAS, as well as establish an account to support technical assistance and education to help farmers adapt to new practices that reduce the use and dispersion of PFAS.
2. Promote pollinator health and habitat

Photo credit: Nicole Marcotte
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