Senate Bill 850 Summary

• Exempts all sales of farm products sold at farmers' markets from state and local sales and use taxes, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, honey, eggs, and processed farm goods.

• Establishes a SNAP pilot program allowing participants to purchase fresh food at farmers' markets with EBT cards and receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $10 per week for eligible purchases.

• Creates Urban Agricultural Zones (UAZs) in blighted areas within metropolitan statistical areas, which may include grower operations, livestock/poultry production, processing facilities, or vending operations.

• Provides property tax exemptions for UAZ real property for up to 25 years and allows municipalities to establish an urban agricultural zone board with seven members to oversee zone designation and review.

• Directs local sales tax revenues from agricultural products sold in UAZs to an Urban Agricultural Zone Fund, with 50% allocated to school districts and 50% to municipalities for improvements and educational programs.