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Budget Summary FY2016

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Outside Section 162
Data Current as of:  8/19/2015




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Cranberry industry revitalization task force

SECTION 162.   Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a cranberry industry revitalization task force which shall consist of the following members: the secretary of energy and environmental affairs or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of agricultural resources or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of energy resources or a designee; the commissioner of environmental protection or a designee; the commissioner of fish and game or a designee; 3 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; 3 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; 3 representatives from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association to be appointed by the governor from a list of 6 names submitted by the association; 1 representative of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. to be appointed by the governor; 1 representative of an independent cranberry handler company to be appointed by the governor; 1 researcher from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Cranberry Station to be appointed by the governor; and 1 agricultural economist to be appointed by the commissioner of agricultural resources.

The task force shall investigate short-term and long-term solutions to preserving and strengthening the commonwealth's cranberry industry. The task force shall examine methods to promote innovation in and the revitalization of the cranberry farming community including, without limitation, the impact of increased fixed costs borne by the cranberry growing community, alternative and renewable energy uses for growers and an investigation of the unique geography, culture and needs of the cranberry industry.

The task force shall submit its findings, together with drafts of recommended legislation, if any, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the chairs of the joint committee on environment, natural resources and agriculture and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than February 1, 2016.