SB 243 Summary

• Commissioner of Agriculture may pay up to 50% of costs in advance or reimburse farmers for compliance with comprehensive farm nutrient management plans or farm resources management plans approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, with total federal and state grants not exceeding 90% of costs.

• Commissioner of Agriculture may pay up to 50% of costs or reimburse farmers for developing and implementing farm resources management plans or farmland restoration and climate resiliency plans, with reimbursement capped at 50% of costs or $20,000 (whichever is less), except for state or municipally owned land with agricultural leases of 5+ years, which may receive up to 90%.

• Commissioner may pay or reimburse nonprofits, soil and water conservation districts, University of Connecticut Extension Services, and municipalities to provide technical assistance, distribute grants, coordinate training, pilot conservation practices, create accessibility tools, establish equipment sharing programs, and increase farmer adoption of climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices.

• "Farmer" definition expanded to include lessees and franchise holders of state and town shellfish beds.

• "Agricultural restoration purposes" defined to include reclamation of pastures and meadows, fence installation, climate-smart practices, soil health improvements, vegetation replanting, water management improvements, hedgerow management, and farm equipment purchases for soil health.

• Effective October 1, 2022.