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H 3008

An Act relative to non-contiguous farm land

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 3 co-sponsors

Bill H 3008 allows farmers with non-contiguous land (at least 5 acres within 10 miles) to access agricultural benefits, boosting production and supporting small farmers.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3008

Summary of Bill H 3008: An Act Relative to Non-Contiguous Farm Land

Bill Number: H 3008
Introduced On: February 27, 2025
Current Status: Read second and ordered to a third reading
Presented By: Representative James Arciero and co-sponsors
Related Bill: HD 3691 (replaces previous legislation)

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3008 aims to amend existing legislation regarding non-contiguous farmland in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary intent of the bill is to provide landowners with the ability to apply for agricultural benefits for non-contiguous parcels of land, thereby encouraging agricultural use and supporting farmers who may own multiple, separate plots.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following changes to Section 4 of Chapter 61A of the General Laws:

  • Eligibility for Non-Contiguous Land:
    Landowners who possess two or more non-contiguous areas of land, totaling at least five acres, will be eligible to apply for benefits under this section.

  • Geographical Limitations:
    To qualify, all parcels must be located within a 10-mile radius of each other or within the same municipality.

  • Contiguous Land Benefits:
    The bill stipulates that the acreage will be treated as if it were contiguous for the purposes of qualifying for agricultural benefits, provided it meets all other requirements.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

  • Farmers and Landowners:
    This bill primarily affects farmers and landowners who own multiple non-contiguous parcels of land. It opens up opportunities for these individuals to access agricultural benefits that were previously limited to contiguous land.

  • Local Municipalities:
    Municipalities may see an increase in agricultural activity and land use, which could have positive economic implications for local economies.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased Agricultural Production:
    By allowing non-contiguous land to qualify for benefits, the bill encourages more efficient use of land and could lead to increased agricultural production.

  • Support for Small Farmers:
    This legislation may particularly benefit small farmers who may not have the resources to consolidate their land holdings but still wish to engage in agricultural activities.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was filed on January 17, 2025, and referred to the committee on Revenue the same day.
    • A public hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2025.
    • The committee reported favorably on the bill on October 22, 2025, and it was subsequently placed in the Orders of the Day for further consideration.
    • As of November 12, 2025, the bill has been read a second time and is ordered for a third reading.

Conclusion

Bill H 3008 represents a significant step towards modernizing agricultural policy in Massachusetts by recognizing the realities of land ownership and usage. By allowing non-contiguous parcels to qualify for agricultural benefits, the bill aims to support farmers and promote agricultural sustainability within the Commonwealth.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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