Bill > H0386

This bill establishes the Agricultural Land Transfer Assistance Program at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to help farmers transition agricultural land ownership. The program will create a comprehensive succession planning toolkit with resources like financial information, education program listings, funding opportunities, equipment auction details, legal templates, and a directory of professionals experienced in farm transfers. The Agency will develop an online agricultural land portal to connect potential land sellers with prospective buyers, conduct at least three educational workshops annually, and train "land transfer navigators" to assist farmers in the land transfer process. A new Land Transfer and Succession Board will be created, composed of representatives from various agricultural organizations, to help implement the program and recommend tools for agricultural land transitions. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with the Tax Commissioner to develop potential tax incentives for land transfers and includes a $250,000 appropriation from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to support the program's implementation. The program aims to preserve farmland, support new farmers, and facilitate smoother transitions of agricultural land ownership in Vermont, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.386