Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Public Hearing
The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture is holding a public hearing, chaired by State Representative Peter V. Kocot.
The Committee will be hearing bills on a wide range of topics related to agriculture, including alternative energy use on farms, genetically modified crops, aquaculture, and non-indigenous species management. Representative Kocot has sponsored or co-sponsored many of the bills, including a House Bill 788, which would exempt certain agricultural buildings, like greenhouses and silos, from local property taxes.
In addition, the Committee will hear bills aimed at resolving the state's dairy crisis, including short- and long-term funding solutions. In 1981, there were 829 dairy farms in Massachusetts, and these farms were able to produce as much milk as Massachusetts residents consumed. Today, there are 167 dairy farms left, and family farms are closing at a rapid rate. Legislators hope to provide some long-term relief to the ailing dairy industry.
"I am looking forward to hearing from my constituents in the Pioneer Valley and to introducing the Committee members to all that Western Massachusetts has to offer," said Representative Kocot.