AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN FARMING PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

This bill updates Connecticut's agricultural laws to streamline how farmland can be removed from agricultural restrictions and creates a new funding account for farm programs. It allows landowners or local towns to petition the Commissioner of Agriculture to lift land restrictions, but this requires approval from the town government, a public hearing, and a vote by local voters in a referendum. If the majority of voters approve the change, the owner must pay the state the full value of the development rights before the restriction is lifted. Additionally, the bill establishes an expand and grow Connecticut agriculture account to fund specific farming initiatives and extends the official harvest season for agricultural transport vehicles to be year-round.