UMass Extension - Public Issues

Public Issues

Sustainable Agricultural Green Industries

Agricultural green industries provide employment opportunities, income, products and services that support our local economies and meet the diverse needs of our citizens. Landscapers, arborists, nurseries, lawn services, greenhouses and recreational livestock farms also play an important role in helping to manage our natural resources and maintain open space. Agricultural green industries need to be economically profitable to survive. They also need to generate products and manage landscapes in a manner that is environmentally sustainable. UMass Extension’s strength in agricultural sciences and natural resources is essential in addressing opportunities and priorities related to economic productivity of these businesses in ways that are environmentally sustainable.

Food Production

The capacity to produce food locally is an important component of our quality of life and our collective security. Massachusetts farmland is therefore one of our most precious resources. Food production in Massachusetts is remarkably diverse and includes apple and peach orchards, vegetable farms, nursery operations, cranberry bogs, livestock and dairy farms and assorted specialty crops. A viable food production system protects land and wildlife, preserves scenic vistas and community character, while providing Massachusetts citizens with a healthy, fresh and stable supply of food.

Land Use Management

Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the nation and the rate of land consumption for residential development is steadily increasing, far out of proportion to its population growth. A recent study by Massachusetts Audubon revealed that in the early 2000s, MA was losing about 40 acres a day of active agricultural, horticultural and forestry land to development. There is a high environmental price to be paid for this heavy consumption of land. Negatively impacted are our water resources, air quality, natural resource-based enterprises, open space, wildlife habitat, and community character. These effects in turn impede long term sustainability and often compel inefficient, reactive capital investment by government.

Ecosystem Management, Protection and Restoration

Our natural resource systems provide our state with aesthetic beauty and open space. Massachusetts also relies on its forests, soils, waters, and scenic landscapes to provide employment, income, natural resource products, recreational opportunities; tourism and ecosystem services that meet its citizens' needs and drive its local economies. In addition, healthy ecosystems provide many additional benefits that can be difficult to measure such as climate regulation, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and the maintenance of environmental quality.

Nutrition and Health

Currently, Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of chronic illness nationwide, costing our state an estimated $34 billion per year for treatment and lost productivity. Medical costs of obesity in Massachusetts are about 1.8 billion annually. Foodborne illness also costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in hospitalization, long-term disability and death. Chronic disease, obesity and foodborne illness are all largely preventable, especially when healthy lifestyle habits are formed early in life.

Youth Development and Engagement

Americans are concerned about preparing youth for the challenges of the 21st century. While this concern has recently focused on standardized tests, academic achievement is only one component of preparation for citizenship and workforce participation. Young people also need to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes for good health, environmental stewardship, creative expression, and community service.