An Act supporting farm diversification and sustainability

This bill amends state laws to allow landowners with agricultural preservation restrictions to apply for special permits that temporarily permit nonagricultural activities on their farms, provided the land remains actively used for full-time commercial agriculture. The Department of Agricultural Resources must evaluate these requests based on long-term productivity and sustainability, offering a one-year trial period that automatically renews for five years if the department fails to respond within 90 days. Additionally, the legislation establishes a special legislative commission to study ways to promote equity in agriculture for historically excluded groups, including recommendations on improving access to grants, technical assistance, and land protection programs. This commission will consist of representatives from various community caucuses, farming associations, and academic institutions, and it is required to hold public hearings and submit a report with its findings by December 31, 2025.