Friday, October 17, 2025
Massachusetts Food System Caucus at Topsfield Fair
Last Friday, Massachusetts Food System
Caucus (FSC) convened at the historic Topsfield Fair to connect with
representatives from local farms and the agritourism industry to hear directly
from leaders about experiences, challenges, and opportunities within the
agriculture industry.
As Senate Co-Chair of the FSC, I had the
honor of introducing the program's speakers, which included:
▶️Commissioner Ashley Randle of the
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
▶️Michael Smolak of Owner of Smolak
Farms
▶️Nancy Gardella Executive Director for
the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
▶️Vito Giacalone, Volunteer Chair of
Governmental Affairs, Northeast Seafood Coalition (🔗https://northeastseafoodcoalition.org/about)
▶️Dr. Heidi Riccio of Essex North Shore
Agricultural & Technical School
▶️James O’Brien, General Manager of the
Topsfield Fair
Their insights reinforced the importance
of collaboration and continued investment in Massachusetts’ vibrant
agricultural and seafood sectors to ensure their success for generations to
come.
Thank you to the Topsfield Legislative
Delegation Representative Kristin Kassner and staff and Representative Sally
Kerans, to my fellow colleagues and to members of the FSC who attended this
important conversation in order to better
understand our agricultural legislative opportunities across the
Commonwealth.
