MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — With Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start to grilling season and beef being a culinary favorite in the American diet, the month of May has been dubbed ‘beef month.’ One organization, the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), is proud to advocate for local protein producers on Beacon Hill.
“The 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture indicates that are 879 beef cattle operations in Massachusetts with 6,920 head,” said MFBF President Mark Amato. “It is MFBF’s job to ensure that those farmers are able to produce a high-quality product, without being overburdened by regulations. We work with legislators and officials on Beacon Hill to file and hopefully pass laws and regulations that will benefit our farmer members.”
For example, MFBF supports S.B. 1268/H.B. 1856, an act relative to agricultural commission input on board of health regulations. Many municipal boards of health have no expertise around farming but are tasked with making decisions that can impact the viability of local farms. This bill will require that municipal boards of health give local Agricultural Commissions an opportunity to weigh in on new or changing regulations related to agriculture, including livestock, so that farmers’ perspectives and needs can be considered.
S.B. 1268/H.B. 1856 is just one example of policy that MFBF supports that could be helpful to Commonwealth beef producers. Other examples can be found online, at http://www.farmbureau.co/
“Farm Bureau is a grassroots, member-driven organization,” Amato said. “Through the support of our members, we are able to continue to advocate their behalf.”
To join online and show your support for the Massachusetts beef, and livestock industry, please visit http://www.farmbureau.co/
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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