You asked for a survey of Connecticut's and 11 other states' policies affecting agriculture, including Connecticut statutes and an inventory of the other states' programs, in the following areas:

1. farmland preservation and conservation,

2. economic viability of farmers,

3. market promotion and development, and

4. policy barriers and innovations

The 11 states you designated are: Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

SUMMARY

All 12 states have farmland conservation and preservation programs and marketing strategies (with each state's agriculture department providing marketing assistance and grant programs). Attachment 1 outlines the states' marketing and other agricultural support programs. Each state is located within two of the most economically viable sections of the country according to a 2000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey, with the Northern Crescent (a USDA category encompassing the Northeast) region posting the largest increase in favorable farm business. Although USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) 2002 farm business average net cash income forecasts are down for every region of the country, ERS considers the overall financial state of the U. S. agricultural sector sound.

Attachment 2 is a map defining the ERS regional categories.

Farms in each of the 12 states face similar challenges with inheritance tax and certain environmental laws. Innovative programs, such as Farmer's Market nutrition programs, which provide vouchers redeemable for locally grown vegetables for needy individuals, help consumers and farmers. Connecticut, Maine, and New York have similar programs.

FARMLAND PRESERVATION

Conservation Easements

According to a March 2002 report by the American Farmland Trust's Farmland Information Center, every state has a conservation easement law. Conservation easements limit or require properties to be used in a way that retains or protects their natural, scenic, or open-space qualities.

The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws adopted the Uniform Conservation Easement Act in 1981. The Act was designed to serve as a model for state legislation to allow qualified public agencies and private conservation organizations to accept, acquire, and hold less-than-fee-simple interest (an easement) in land for conservation and preservation purposes. Since the Uniform Act was approved, 21 states adopted laws based on it, and 23 states drafted and enacted their own conservation easement-enabling laws.

Connecticut passed easement-enabling legislation in 1978. A bill to adopt the Uniform Act was raised during the 2001 session, but did not pass. In Pennsylvania, conservation easements are authorized by common law.

Further information is available at:

http: //www. farmlandinfo. org/fic/tas/ACE_11-01. pdf

American Farmland Trust's Farmland Protection Activities

The American Farmland Trust uses the following seven categories to define states' conservation and preservation efforts:

1. agricultural districts: government recognized areas formed by farmers, where land is limited to farm use;

2. agriculture protection zoning: specially zoned areas, that are limited to farming activities;

3. circuit breaker: a tax abatement program allowing eligible landowners to take some or all of the property tax they pay on farmland and farm buildings as a credit against their state income tax;

4. differential assessment: a property tax relief strategy that allows assessment of farmland at its agricultural rather than fair market value;

5. purchase of agricultural conservation easements by government body (Connecticut's farmland preservation program, for example);

6. right-to-farm laws: laws or local ordinances protecting farmers from public and private nuisance lawsuits; and

7. transfer of development rights or credits: programs allowing towns and landowners to preserve farmland with easements while transferring the property's development rights to other land, allowing development at a higher density than local zoning would otherwise allow.

More information is available at: http: //www. farmlandinfo. org/fic/tas/fptoolbox03-02. pdf

Table 1 shows which of the programs the 12 states have:

Table 1: Farmland Protection Activities by State

S= State L= Local

State	Agricultural Districts	Agricultural Zoning Protection	Circuit Breakers	Differential Assessments	Purchase of Agriculture Conservation Easements	Right-to-Farm	Transfer Development Rights
Connecticut				S	S, L	S	L
Delaware	S			S	S	S
Maine				S	S	S
Maryland	S, L	L		S	S, L	S	L
Massachusetts	S			S	S	S	L
New Hampshire				S	S	S
New Jersey	S			S	S, L	S	L
New York	S		S	S	L	S	L
Pennsylvania	S	L		S	S, L	S	L
Rhode Island				S	S	S
Vermont				S	S	S	L
West Virginia				S		S

Source: http: //www. farmlandinfo. org/fic/tas/fptoolbox03-02. pdf

Connecticut Farmland Preservation

The state has two major programs to encourage farmland preservation the (1) Farmland Preservation Program and (2) 490 programs. Both are designed to relieve some of the financial burden on farms, including property tax, thereby reducing the pressure to develop their property that farmers may feel. The Department of Agriculture (DOAg) administers the Farmland Preservation Program, while each municipality manages the 490 Program. Additionally, right-to-farm law protects farmers from public and private nuisance suits.

Farmland Preservation Program. The farmland preservation program, established in 1978, authorizes DOAg to purchase the development rights of existing farms. These are the owner's rights to develop, build on, sell, lease, or otherwise change the use of the land with certain limited exceptions (CGS § 22-26bb(d)). When the state purchases the development rights, it gets a permanent easement that prohibits nonagricultural development of the land, while allowing the owner to operate and manage the farm business on the land. The program goal is to conserve selected agricultural lands, pastures, woods, drainage areas, and open space areas for the benefit of the state and future generations (CGS § 22-26aa). DOAg has acquired development rights to 182 farms with 27,368 acres under the program, according to the 2000-2001 Digest of Administrative Reports.

Owners must apply to DOAg. The application must include a description of the farm's size, its crop productivity, its zoning classification, and the probability that it will be developed for non-agricultural purposes. DOAg evaluates the farm to determine the public interest in purchasing the farm and scores the land on the following criteria:

1. the probability that the land will be sold for non-agricultural use;

2. the land's current productivity and the likelihood of continued productivity;

3. the land's soil classification and other suitability for agriculture;

4. the degree to which the acquisition would contribute to the preservation of the state's agricultural potential;

5. any encumbrances on the land;

6. the cost of acquisition; and

7. the degree to which acquisition would mitigate flood damage risks (CGS § 22-26cc(a)).

If the farm meets the minimum scoring criteria, DOAg accepts the application, notifies the town and certain other state agencies about it, and schedules a public hearing (usually in the town where the land is located).

490 Program. Under the 490 Program, the town assessor classifies and assesses the property as a farm for tax purposes, which is significantly less than the land's fair market value assessment based on its highest and best use, and the farmer keeps the development rights. If the he sells the property within 10 years after the classification, he must pay a special pro rated conveyance tax. Once granted, a farm classification under the 490 Program can be removed only if the use of the land or the land ownership changes.

Towns can periodically ask owners for an update of the land usage, usually by asking them to complete another application form.

Connecticut Right-to-Farm Law. Under current law, agricultural or farming operations (and their subsidiaries) cannot be deemed a private or public nuisance because of:

1. odor from livestock, manure, fertilizer, or feed;

2. noise from livestock or farm equipment used in normal, generally acceptable, farming procedures;

3. dust created during plowing or cultivation operations;

4. use of chemicals and application methods that conform to approved Environmental Protection or Public Health department practices and regulations;

5. water pollution from livestock or crop production activities (except the pollution of public or private drinking water supplies), if (a) such activities conform to acceptable pollution control management practices approved by the environmental protection commissioner, (b) the agricultural or farming operation has been in operation for at least one year without a substantial change in production and operation and (c) has followed generally accepted agricultural practices to qualify.

The agriculture commissioner's inspection and approval of a farming operation is prima facie evidence that the operation follows generally accepted agricultural practices. (A plaintiff in a lawsuit would have the burden to present evidence to disprove this. )

These right-to-farm protections do not apply if a nuisance results from negligence or willful or reckless misconduct in an agricultural or farming operation (CGS § 19a-341).

ECONOMIC VIABILITY

The USDA monitors the financial health of U. S. farms through surveys. It measures financial performance according to: (1) liquidity, (2) solvency, (3) profitability, (4) debt repayment capacity, and (5) financial efficiency. The USDA's 2000 Agricultural Resource Management Study (the latest) showed the following about farm businesses' overall financial performance.

1. The largest increase in the share of favorable farm businesses occurred in the Northern Crescent (the Northeast) and the Eastern Uplands (part of the Mid-Atlantic) with a combined, approximate 21% increase;

2. Farm businesses specializing in the production of fruit and tree nuts (16%), vegetables (16%), and hogs (13%) had the largest increase in the proportion of financially favorable farms.

3. Eighty-three percent of tobacco and 79% of dairy farms had favorable financial positions. Poultry farms were the weakest with more than half identified as financially vulnerable, and only 57% of hog farms were classified in a favorable financial position.

4. Older farm operators, in general, had higher shares of financially favorable and lower shares of financially vulnerable farms, compared to younger farmers. But for most age classes, the share of operators with favorable financial performance increased in 1999 compared to 1998 (a notable exception is the under-35 age class, where the share of farm businesses considered financially favorable declined by three percentage points).

More information is available at: http: //ers. usda. gov/briefing/FarmFinancialMgmt/Questions/qa1a. htm

According to Mitch Morehart, a USDA researcher, USDA plans to report the results of the 2001 Agricultural Resource Management Study in September 2002. In the meantime, USDA forecasts changes in farm business net cash income for different regions.

Economic Forecast

Farm incomes are declining this year. The USDA's Economic Research Service's (ERS) 2002 farm business average net cash income forecasts are negative for every region of the country due to costs and weather conditions. Even with additional payments from the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, ERS says lower market receipts for both crop production and major livestock commodities will likely reduce aggregate net income for farm businesses.

According to ERS, the Northern Crescent (which contains 14% of the nation's farmland) 2002 net cash income will drop only . 02 % compared to the 1996-2000 average. But it is forecasted to be down 20% compared to 2001. This is the smallest decrease in the U. S.

ERS considers the overall financial state of the U. S. agricultural sector to be sound. It draws this conclusion from the continuing increases in asset values and equity levels across the country. The entire report is available at: http: //www. ers. usda. gov/Briefing/FarmIncome/fore. htm

Attachment 3 is a copy of the ERS farm business average net incomes forecasts chart.

Connecticut Farm Economy

Overall, Connecticut agriculture performs well. According to USDA's New England Agricultural Statistics Service, Connecticut's top five agricultural commodities and their cash receipts for 2000 were:

DOAg's list differs from USDA's due to differences in classifying crops and collecting data. According to DOAg's annual report, the top five commodities in Connecticut and their cash receipts in 2000 were:

Dr. W. A. Cowan, emeritus professor in the University of Connecticut's Animal Science Department, notes that Connecticut is first in New England in mushroom production, combined pear and peach production, tobacco acreage and production, and number of horses (Cowan, Agriculture in Connecticut 2000).

According to Mark Prisloe in "Connecticut Agriculture: A Growing Industry " (The Connecticut Economic Digest, June, 1999), Connecticut's $ 62 million oyster industry represented 94% of the entire northeast regional oyster production and 6% of the entire U. S. aquaculture product of $ 980 million at the time. However, recent outbreaks of two major diseases have significantly reduced the oyster harvest.

CONNECTICUT MARKET PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

DOAg operates several programs to promote and develop state farms, descriptions of which follow.

Farm Enhancement Program

One focus of DOAg, as with other states' agriculture departments, is to keep Connecticut farms economically viable. Its principal way of doing this is through the Farmland Enhancement Program (FEP), which provides matching grants to eligible farmers for capital improvements either to expand their operations or to diversify. Since 1997, DOAg has awarded over $ 600,000 in FEP grants. During FY 2000-01, seven farms received a total of $ 216,420.

Agriculture Technology Program

The program's mission is to (1) encourage business diversification and problem-solving through technology, (2) encourage start-up businesses and new or improved products, and (3) enhance agricultural education and research in Connecticut. Program guidelines define "agricultural technology " as the use of knowledge which results in a higher standard of living for both consumers and producers of agricultural or aquacultural products. It includes the development of a device or process that improves crops or animal strains, saves agricultural or aquacultural labor, improves cultural practices, and the control of plants or animal diseases or pests.

The DOAg has identified the following five technologies to support: (1) aquaculture technology, (2) plant biotechnology, (3) farm waste management, (4) transgenic animal technology, and (5) animal vaccine and diagnostic technology.

DOAg is also looking at greenhouse technology and integrated pest management technologies for future programs.

Connecticut Grown Program

The Connecticut Grown program was created in 1986 to distinguish Connecticut products through the use of a logo. Connecticut Grown's mission is to market Connecticut agricultural products in as many different avenues as possible to incorporate the various agricultural products grown in Connecticut.

Program Objectives. Its objectives are:

1. pinpoint Connecticut agriculture's strengths with respect to its economy and geographic location,

2. continue to increase consumer awareness by using the "Connecticut Grown" logo,

3. establish the meaning and substance of the Connecticut Grown program,

4. educate and inform consumers concerning Connecticut farm products and methods of production, and

5. establish criteria and information aimed at enabling existing agri-business to expand their operations.

As the logo became more recognizable, the program has branched out to incorporate a variety of other projects.

1. Agriculture Directional Signage - The agriculture directional signage program is designed to direct tourists and regional consumers off state roadways to local roads where farm operations are established. The program helps to expand the economic base for Connecticut's agricultural producers. State-approved signs are paid for by the farmers.

2. Point-of-Purchase Materials - Posters and pricing cards with the Connecticut Grown Logo are available from the department.

3. Joint Ventures - The first joint venture grants were made available in FY1986-87. Matching grants are awarded to commodity groups (e. g. , seed and feed retailers), who match the grants, to encourage them to promote Connecticut agricultural products through the use of the Connecticut Grown logo (CGS § 22-38a-1 though 22-38a-4).

4. Food Shows and Expositions - Food shows, fairs, and expositions are a means for prospective wholesale buyers and consumers to sample Connecticut food products and agricultural commodities. Brochures and other feature activities make consumers aware of the Connecticut Grown Logo and Connecticut products.

5. Farm City - This yearly event is held to introduce children to agriculture through a series of exhibits.

6. Apple Marketing Order - This program aims to help increase the demand for apples, promote efficient and equitable marketing of apples, and develop new and larger markets for apples produced in the state. In August 1986, after a vote by Connecticut apple growers in favor of a marketing order, the Commissioner approved the enactment of the Connecticut Apple Marketing Order (CGS § 22-54b-1 through 22-54b-7).

7. Farmers Markets - This program enables consumers to purchase fresh produce directly from the farmer.

8. Fruit and Vegetable Quality Assurance and Quality Seal - This program assures consumers of products with higher than normal standards for apples, cider, honey, maple syrup, and mushrooms. It began in 1989.

9. Corporate and Restaurants Promotions - This program is designed to help individual farmers sell their product at a premium price to neighboring corporate and restaurant facilities.

Export Program

DOAg's export program concentrates on small-to-medium-size food and beverage companies. It:

1. provides start-up information for new export companies;

2. provides detailed export information to new and established businesses (distributors, country specific information, market information, statistics, regulations, transportation);

3. recruits companies for the Market Access Program (MAP) in cooperation with Food Export USA-Northeast (Connecticut is a member of this 10 state co-op, which gives matching funds to qualified companies to promote their products overseas and to attend food and beverage trade shows);

4. maintains a database of all Connecticut-based agricultural and value-added food and beverage companies;

5. recruits Connecticut companies and coordinates their participation in trade shows in U. S. and abroad;

6. issues certificates of Free Sale (or export certificate) to conforming Connecticut-based food companies.

Specialty Food Assistance

DOAg provides technical information and marketing assistance for small to mid-sized food production businesses in the state. It (1) helps them in marketing (fairs, domestic, and international trade shows), production, and initial setup and (2) provides information on labeling laws, state and federal guidelines for food products, financing, and other resources.

Connecticut Weekly Agricultural Report

The Connecticut Weekly Agricultural Report is a four-page weekly newsletter, which has been published since 1920. The report contains a weekly editorial, agricultural articles, pricing information, advertisements, and meeting notices.

Seafood Council

The Connecticut Seafood Council promotes the industry while aiming for environmentally sustainable growth.

OTHER STATES' MARKET PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Delaware

The marketing section of Delaware's Agriculture Department promotes state agricultural products by coordinating or participating in various in-state events and festivals during the summer growing season. These are open to the public and are free (except for the Delaware State Fair). For example, "Ag Day at the Mall" is an indoor event to which the marketing section invites more than 40 commodity exhibitors or agriculture-related groups to promote agriculture. When possible, the event is held during "National Ag Week," which is usually the third week in March.

Agricultural marketing staff provides farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses with marketing assistance. They assist farmers with (1) concept and idea development for new and innovative food products and marketing approaches; (2) development of a business or marketing plan; (3) technical assistance and coordinated services with related agencies, organizations, and companies; and (4) ways to penetrate international markets and open communications channels.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. de. us/deptagri/marketing/index. htm

Maine

Maine's Agriculture Department's Market and Production Development Division works to develop markets for food and farm products and provides assistance in improving production for state growers. It publishes literature to help both wholesale buyers and consumers find desired Maine agricultural products; maintains a database of growers and food processors for customer reference; and maintains a searchable web page to help consumers connect directly with farmers or find specific products, events, and restaurants that serve Maine food.

The division coordinates many financial assistance programs and business planning training for farm businesses and manages annual statewide promotional agricultural events, fairs, shows, and the State of Maine Building at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) in West Springfield, Massachusetts.


More information is available at: http: //www. state. me. us/agriculture/mpd/index. html

Maryland

The Agri-Business Development Program in the Marketing, Animal Industries, and Consumer Services Division of Maryland's Agriculture Department coordinates federal and state programs and helps established farmers or those starting an agribusiness with money management and marketing. The department uses various tools to promote aquaculture and seafood products and assists farmers with international trade and promotion.

Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service compiles information on agricultural production, market prices, cropping practices, crop conditions, agricultural weather, estimates of acreage to be planted or livestock to be produced, and other pertinent data. It distributes reports to farmers, agribusiness firms, wholesalers, and retailers to assist them in making management decisions.

More information is available at: http: //www. mda. state. md. us/geninfo/gen4. htm

Massachusetts

The Bureau of Markets runs Massachusetts' Department of Food and Agriculture's Division of Agricultural Development marketing efforts. The bureau promotes the viability and sustainability of Massachusetts' food and agricultural businesses.

The bureau's Agricultural Marketing Grant Program provides matching grants to help farmers promote their products. Grants range from $ 500 to $ 15,000. All grant recipients are required to acknowledge department support in order to receive grant funds, for example, by using the "Massachusetts Grown...and Fresher!" or "Mass. Made with Pride" logos.

The Pick Your Own Farm Guide (available online and in print) gives consumers over 200 farm locations, and other online links promote various specialties (e. g. apple cider or Christmas trees).

More information is available at:

http: //www. state. ma. us/dfa/divisions/agdevelopment. htm

New Hampshire

The Division of Agricultural Development works to create market opportunities for New Hampshire agricultural businesses by distributing product and industry information to potential buyers and sponsoring and participating in trade shows and expositions showcasing New Hampshire's food and agricultural products. The division works closely with producer organizations to carry out joint industry promotions.

In addition, the division compiles market information, publishes the Weekly Market Bulletin for the farm community, and operates the New Hampshire Building at the Eastern States Exposition. It is the lead agency in sponsoring the New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposition. The division maintains frequent contact with the news media to promote the state's agricultural industry.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. nh. us/agric/agde. html

New Jersey

The Division of Markets works to enhance the marketing of New Jersey farm products by developing and expanding markets in both the U. S. and internationally. For example, its Jersey Fresh marketing and promotional program uses newspaper and television advertisements, point-of-purchase displays at supermarkets, and special food and wine festivals and celebrations throughout the year to tell consumers about state farm products. Jersey Fresh matching grants go to agricultural organizations that use the funds for their own promotional or educational efforts.

Each summer the division offers technical assistance to the sponsors of New Jersey's 21 agricultural fairs. These fairs feature locally grown fruits and vegetables, livestock, and crafts as well as traditional family entertainment. The division also promotes New Jersey's racing and pleasure horse industry and coordinates the distribution of federally donated foods to public feeding sites, schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

The division's Market News Service offers timely reports of supplies, demand, and prices for over 400 fresh fruit, vegetable, nut, and ornamental crops grown in New Jersey and elsewhere in the nation. The service provides detailed reports on dairy, grain, livestock, poultry, cotton, and tobacco crops.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. nj. us/agriculture/markets/index. html

New York

The Agricultural Protection and Development Services Division of New York's Agriculture Department oversees farm protection, industry development, and farm labor supply. The division manages several economic development and marketing programs, including:

1. marketing orders (assistance with product promotion, research, and advertising);

2. domestic and international trade promotion assistance;

3. Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, which provides special checks to low-income, nutritionally at-risk families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) and Senior Meals Nutrition Program, where checks are redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets;

4. "Pride of New York" symbol that indicates that a product is locally grown and part of a voluntary marketing initiative introduced in 1996;

5. agribusiness assistance (e. g. , providing business plans and funding sources);

6. agriculture and farmland protection (local government districts and state programs).

More information is available at:

http: //www. agmkt. state. ny. us/AP/APHome. html

Pennsylvania

The Bureau of Market Development of Pennsylvania's Agriculture Department is comprised of three divisions: (1) Commodity Promotions, (2) Livestock and Fairs, and (3) Domestic and International Business Development. It is responsible for the domestic and international promotion and marketing of state agribusiness products and services and developing and administering programs to help agribusinesses to locate or expand in the Commonwealth. It coordinates market development and research projects with federal and state agencies and identifies and assists farmers and agribusinesses to find and use marketing opportunities.

More information is available at: http: //sites. state. pa. us/PA_Exec/Agriculture/bureaus/market_development/index. html

Rhode Island

The Agriculture Division of Rhode Island's Environmental Management Department's Agriculture/Marketing and Promotion unit carries out marketing initiatives and strategies designed to promote Rhode Island grown products and increase the income of local farmers. Since the inception of its promotional programs, such as the Rhode Island Grown program and the farm viability grant, Rhode Island agricultural revenue has risen from $ 38 million in 1980 to $ 141 million in 1993.

The unit offers farm viability grants for activities or agricultural education initiatives that support the promotion of agriculture. The funds come from a USDA specialty crop promotion grant. All commodities produced in Rhode Island are considered specialty crops. Funding priority is given to projects and initiatives that promote the long-term viability of Rhode Island agriculture.

In June 2002, the unit released the inaugural edition of Ag-Review, which will focus providing information on the events that shape the future of the state's agriculture. Ag-Review will feature news articles on all agriculture issues from animal health to regulatory news.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. ri. us/dem/programs/bnatres/agricult/index. htm

Vermont

The Agricultural Development Division was created in 1975 to increase the economic viability of Vermont's agricultural sector. Its responsibilities are:

1. to increase the agricultural uses of land and other resources;

2. to develop and maintain price reporting systems and producer directories;

3. to identify and develop new markets and products;

4. to develop identification and advertising programs for Vermont products; and

5. to promote research on agricultural products.

Various marketing specialists (covering maple, apples, specialty foods, etc. ) assist farmers in promoting their products. They support the division's goal of encouraging the agricultural industry to be profitable through development of a sound business infrastructure. To this end, the division offers the following requests for proposals to spur business: (1) Business Planning Assistance for Vermont Meat & Poultry Processors, (2) Training for Vermont's Meat Processing Industry Workforce, (3) Plant Modernization Assistance for Vermont Meat & Poultry Processors, and (4) Education and Training Assistance for Vermont's Livestock Producers.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. vt. us/agric/develop. htm

West Virginia

The Marketing and Development Division in West Virginia's Department of Agriculture is responsible for promoting the state's agricultural products and commodities, economic development, and the operation of state owned farms. The Communications Division publication, Market News, provides current price information for various commodities, which assists producers in their decision making process. The Market Bulletin advertises agricultural events, businesses, and news by subscription and is partially available online.

The division offers assistance through grants and support with (1) livestock marketing, (2) business expansion, (3) new business development, (4) local, national and international marketing, (5) fruit and vegetable inspection, and (6) licensing. And The West Virginia Grown program labels state grown products and is a marketing initiative.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. wv. us/agriculture/divisions/marketing. html

POLICY BARRIERS AND INNOVATIONS

Melanie Attwater, legislative liaison for DOAg identified issues viewed as barriers by farmers across the country. These include: (1) environmental policies, (2) tax policies such as the inheritance and gift taxes, (3) labor problems, (4) insurance problems, and (5) transportation issues. She noted a new bill recently submitted to Congress by Representative Simmons at the request of the Connecticut's Farm Bureau, Department of Transportation, and certain legislators to rectify a long standing milk transportation issue involving safety and federal funding (HR 4925).

Attwater pointed to Connecticut's Agricultural Technology Program (CGS § 22-26h) and a new agricultural clusters initiative, similar to agricultural districts, as innovations here. And like numerous states, "Connecticut Creative" sells state specialty foods online at http: //www. state. ct. us//creativestore. htm.

Innovative programs in other states include:

1. Maine's Senior FarmShare Program, which provides fresh Maine-grown vegetables for certain senior citizens;

2. Maryland's tobacco buyout program;

3. Farmer's Market nutrition programs, which allow low income, nutritionally at-risk women enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) to purchase farm produce with state vouchers (e. g. , in New York as well as Connecticut).

Maine Senior FarmShare Program

Qualifying senior citizens may enter into contracts with participating state farmers for $ 100 vouchers for fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. To participate, farms must be able to provide a broad range of Maine-grown seasonal vegetables and fruits to individual shareholders. This means they must provide at least five different items each week during a 10-week period. For example, in the fall, the offerings might include at least potatoes, apples, squash, cabbage, and carrots. In the late spring, the farm might offer spinach, beets, peas, strawberries and lettuce. A farm may provide fewer items before or after the core 10-week period.

To qualify, seniors must (1) be 60 or over (55 for Native Americans) and (2) have a total income (including all pensions, Social Security, and other payments) of no more than 185% of poverty level. (In 2002 this is $ 16,391 for a senior living alone, or $ 22,089 for a two-person household. ) Each partner in a couple meeting income guidelines is eligible for a share. Members of the farmers' immediate family or household members may not participate. Maine Agriculture Department marketing staff distributes brochures explaining the program to seniors through Area Agencies on Aging in March.

Farms must redistribute unused share amounts to other eligible seniors or agencies.

More information is available at: http: //www. getrealmaine. com/farmshare/guidelines. html#summary;

Maryland's Tobacco Buyout Program

Maryland began its tobacco buyout program in 1999 to entice farmers to stop growing tobacco. It allocates $ 78 million of its $ 4 billion share of the national tobacco settlement with cigarette manufacturers over 10 years, each year paying tobacco farmers $ 1 per pound based on the average amount of tobacco they produced between 1996 and 1998. To qualify for the program, a farmer must (1) have grown tobacco in 1998, (2) permanently quit tobacco cultivation, and (3) convert his land to other agricultural uses for at least 10 years.

The most recent figures available from Maryland's Agriculture Department indicate that by January 2003, 723 of Maryland's 995 eligible farmers will have committed to the program. These farmers account for 73% of the state's eligible tobacco farmers, and 83% of the state's eligible tobacco production, or 6. 8 million pounds of tobacco leaf.

The program has drastically reduced the amount of tobacco grown in Maryland. State agricultural officials estimated in November 2001 that state tobacco farmers were expected to market 2. 3 million pounds of tobacco this spring, grown on 1,700 acres. This compares to 8. 1 million pounds marketed in the spring of 2001, grown on 5,700 acres. This represents a 72% decrease in the number of pounds marketed and a 70% reduction in the acreage devoted to tobacco.

We could not find a breakdown on cost per acre, but Maryland tobacco farms yield an average of about 1,400 pounds per acre. A typical farmer might therefore receive $ 1,400 per acre per year for 10 years. The New York Times has reported that the average buyout pays about $ 10,000 a year. The largest farmers, with about 100 acres, receive about $ 60,000 or more a year ("Maryland Farmers Turn from Tobacco to Flowers," The New York Times, February 25, 2001).

Tobacco farmers are turning to a number of replacement crops and products, including flowers; vegetables such as corn, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes; wine grapes; hay for the state's growing horse population; and goat meat ("`Goodbye' Tobacco, `Hello' Cukes and Corn," Christian Science Monitor, August 22, 2000, and "Big Buyout May End Tobacco Era in Maryland," Washington Post, April 21, 2001. )

Farmer's Market Nutrition Programs

Several states, including Connecticut, have a farmer's market nutrition program. These programs benefit farmers and consumers. New York's program, for example, provides special checks to low-income, nutritionally at-risk families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) and Senior Meals Nutrition Program. The checks are redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.

Funded through a federal grant and state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds, the program operated at 222 farmers' markets in 55 counties across the state in 1999. During the course of the program, 224,587 WIC families were issued $ 20 worth of farmers' market checks. 786 Farmers redeemed more than $ 2. 8 million in checks.

More information is available at: http: //www. agmkt. state. ny. us/AP/APHome. html#FMNP

Connecticut's Farmer's Market program. Participating state farmers' markets provide seniors and at-risk women with children with fruits and vegetable through the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition and the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers' Market Nutrition programs. Public Act 94-187 authorizes the WIC farmer's market program.

The seniors program is a state-private partnership, and the women and infants' program is authorized and co-funded by Congress. Program participants number about 42,500 and receive $ 15 worth of vouchers for the season (one for the mother and one for each child) that can be used at designated farmers' markets. Participating farmers are reimbursed for the face value of the vouchers at any state financial institution.

More information is available at: http: //www. state. ct. us/doag/pubs/fm/farmktpg. htm

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