CT SB00266

Modifies the definition of "agricultural land" in Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-26bb to explicitly include nurseries (as defined in section 22-97) and greenhouses, effective October 1, 2012.

Amends Section 22-26cc(a) to clarify that the use of land as a nursery or greenhouse shall not diminish its agricultural value or prohibit the Commissioner of Agriculture from acquiring development rights to such land.

Allows nurseries and greenhouses to be eligible for inclusion in the state's farmland preservation program, which acquires development rights to preserve agricultural land from non-agricultural development.

Applies to owners who offer to sell development rights to their nursery or greenhouse operations to the state, with acquisition decisions based on factors including land productivity, soil suitability, and probability of conversion to non-agricultural uses.