MO HB2224

Creates the "Missouri Farmland Trust" within the Department of Agriculture to accept donations, gifts, or conveyances of farmland and preserve it for agricultural purposes while providing affordable long-term leases to beginning farmers for up to 20 years.

Establishes a five-member Missouri Farmland Trust Advisory Board appointed by the Agriculture Director to recommend appropriate land uses, selection criteria for applicants, and review lease applications; members serve five-year terms without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses.

Creates the "Missouri Farmland Trust Fund" in the state treasury to receive gifts, donations, bequests, and appropriations; funds may be used for program administration and to make payments to counties in lieu of property taxes for privately-owned acquired land at amounts not less than taxes paid at acquisition.

Requires the Agriculture Director to establish rules for leasing farmland to beginning farmers, including lessee requirements, selection processes, lease terms, property maintenance standards, renewal procedures, and termination conditions; all acquired property must be farmed using best environmental and stewardship practices.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to accept and acquire agricultural lands, easements, buildings, equipment, and other real/personal property; allows the department to charge administrative fees for lease application processing.