SECTION 27. Farm viability technical assistance and implementation funding

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department may offer farm viability technical assistance and implementation funding to an owner of land subject to an agricultural preservation restriction, as defined by section 31 of chapter 184 if such owner demonstrates, in the case of implementation funding, that: the implementation shall improve the economic viability of the farm; retain or create private sector jobs and tax revenue either directly or indirectly associated with a farm business; improve farm productivity and competitiveness; expand farm facilities as part of a modernization or business plan; support renewable energy or environmental remediation projects on farms; or expand and support markets and infrastructure to strengthen the farming industry. The department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.