The agricultural landscape in Massachusetts reveals significant disparities. Farmers that are Black, Indigenous and People of Color are severely underrepresented, accounting for less than 3% statewide.  Data from the 2017 USDA indicates a stark lack of diversity in southeastern Massachusetts, where white farmers constituted 98% in Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties. Furthermore, age and land access act as substantial hurdles for aspiring farmers. Coupled with a 6% decrease in the total number of Massachusetts farms between 2007 and 2017, and the existing lack of racial diversity, it's clear that proactive support is crucial.

One member of the Aquinnah and Mashpee Wampanoag tribe shared this story. “Access to resources and people with the resources is difficult. Our people have high rates of food insecurity. Recently, we got a grant to farm, but we couldn't find anyone in the tribe willing to farm the land. We are not sure why no one came forward. We have a community garden, but we do not know where to go to access the resources needed to keep up the community garden. We have land on Martha's Vineyard for the Aquinnah Wampanoag, but we have no people to work the land. We would love to understand why that is the case with our people. Farming is the most crucial way for our two tribes to sustain ourselves, be self-sufficient, bring back our culture, and help heal wounds from trauma. Our dream is to have our own land, continue our traditions, be self-sufficient and self-sustaining.”

We urge you to take action on H.111 An Act Promoting Equity in Agriculture and S.53 Resolve Promoting Equity in Agriculture, which would establish a commission and produce the necessary research and recommendations to identify how current programs, resources, laws, and regulations can be improved to address inequities and to develop new policies that will support an onramp for BIPOC individuals to the industry. This, in turn, will strengthen the local food economy, expand local employment, improve food security and nutrition, and establish a more sustainable food system for the long term.

Contact your State Representative and Senator to urge them to support An Act Promoting Equity in Agriculture (H.111/S.53)!

To call or email your state legislators, fill out the short form on the right.

Thank you!

The Marion Institute's Southcoast Food Policy Council Team