Public Act No. 23-184 Summary

• Commissioner of Agriculture may pay up to 50% in advance or reimburse farmers up to 90% of costs to implement comprehensive farm nutrient management plans, farmland restoration and climate resiliency plans, or farm resources management plans, including farm equipment purchases.

• Expands funding eligibility to nonprofits, soil and water conservation districts, University of Connecticut Extension Services, and municipalities to provide technical assistance, distribute grants, coordinate training programs, and establish equipment-sharing programs for conservation practices.

• Redefines "Connecticut-Grown" to mean products with traceable origin within Connecticut; sellers at farmers' markets must display a sign identifying the product name and town of origin; reduces proof documentation radius from ten miles to two miles.

• Converts the Apple Marketing Board into an advisory board that makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture rather than independently implementing market orders and managing budgets.

• Encourages small-scale aquaculture operations for shellfish by allowing the Commissioner of Agriculture to designate shellfish grounds for annual leasing, defined as operations on 150 acres or less or operating for four or fewer years.