An act concerning climate-smart agricultural practices

This bill would authorize the state to pay up to 50% of the cost in advance, or reimburse the cost to develop, implement and comply with a comprehensive farm nutrient management plan, farm resources management plan, or farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan intended to restore farmland, including for the costs of farm equipment purchases. The bill newly recognizes farmland restoration and climate resiliency plans into the current statute that authorizes reimbursements. The bill would also authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to pay or reimburse any nonprofit organization, soil and water conservation district, University of Connecticut Extension Services or municipality to: “(1) Provide technical assistance, (2) distribute grant funding to producers, (3) coordinate training programs, (4) coordinate projects that pilot or demonstrate conservation practices, (5) create tools that help reduce barriers to accessing assistance for conservation practices on farms, (6) establish equipment sharing programs, or (7) other activities that will increase the number of farmers who are implementing climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices…”