Promoting Connecticut's Farms

A bill sponsored by State Rep. Matt Lesser that would help promote Connecticut farms unanimously passed the House Thursday.

State law is currently is unclear as to whether municipalities are authorized to form agricultural commissions. Lesser’s bill (HB 5472) would specifically allow municipalities to form local and regional agricultural councils that would promote and maintain local farming.

“Farming is a three billion-dollar industry that provides jobs to thousands of Connecticut residents,” said Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown.

“We have an Agricultural Commission in Durham. Today’s bill will allow towns around the state to follow our lead and create their own agricultural councils to protect and promote agriculture.”

Agricultural commissions bring farmers together with government officials, non-profits, local businesses and other members of the community to promote local agriculture, offer guidance to land use agencies, and educate farmers about grant and commercial opportunities.

The legislation also adds agriculture to the list of things to be considered in local plans of conservation and development. It also clarifies the definition of agriculture for planning and zoning commissions so that they all have a uniform description.

The bill supported by Connecticut’s farming community, including the Connecticut Farm Bureau, will now go to the Senate for consideration.