MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Young farmers will bring their livestock to the Boston Common to discuss farm policy with legislators and consumers on June 5, 2019. This annual event, known as Livestock on the Common, is sponsored by Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF’s) Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) committee and allows both legislators and the public to get up-close and personal with farm-raised livestock and farmers to discuss policies that could impact farms.
As legislators venture to the Common, YF&R committee members will speak to them about two bills of importance to the farming community. Those include: H.B. 868, an act to establish a commission on livestock shelter requirements and S.B. 1268/H.B. 1856 an act relative to agricultural commission input on board of health regulations.
“Common sense laws and regulations are a must for farmers,” said MFBF President Mark Amato. “Both of these bills are meant to create workable regulations for farmers that would not overburden their businesses with red tape. For example, S.B. 1268/H.B. 1856, would allow agricultural commissions to have input on changing local regulations related to agriculture. As many municipal boards of health have no expertise around farming but can make regulations that could impact the viability of local farms, having farmers’ input makes sense.”
H.B. 868 would create a commission of humane, veterinary and farming representatives charged with creating guidance on livestock shelter needs to direct farmers and regulators in ensuring proper shelter for livestock. This is in response to recent legislation that attempted to create a “one-size-fits-all” requirement for livestock. As shelter needs for livestock vary with specie, age and condition of the animal, a “one-size-fits-all” strategy is not possible. This board would help create guidelines for different kinds of livestock.
Both bills would allow farmers to have input on creating workable regulations and standards and MFBF’s YF&R is looking forward to discussing them with legislators. Additionally, this committee will be looking forward to great discussions consumers during their day on the Boston Common.
“We are proud that our committee has hosted this event successfully for six years and are excited to sponsor it a seventh year,” said MFBF YF&R Chair Heidi Cooper. “We have expanded the event to draw in consumers and allow anyone who is walking by the Boston Common on June 5 to stop in. Social media “selfies” with the animals are encouraged and we are more than happy to answer any questions that consumers have.”
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Boston Common. For more information about Livestock on the Common, including arranging interviews, background information and more, please contact MFBF’s Director of Marketing and Communications at 508-481-4766.
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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