Bill > HB05064

This bill establishes a new grant program administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to support agricultural land preservation, which can be accessed by specific types of organizations including agricultural non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and groups of municipalities with established interlocal agreements. The grants can be used to develop farmland access and affordability programs, but cannot be used for purposes that conflict with existing farmland preservation statutes. The program will become effective on July 1, 2027, and will operate within available appropriations, meaning the actual funding will depend on budgetary allocations. The key goal is to encourage the retention of agricultural lands for agricultural purposes by providing financial support to organizations and local governments that can help preserve farmland and make it more accessible to farmers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Environment Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05064&which_year=2025