OLR Bill Analysis

SB 1082

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESERVATION OF STATE-OWNED AGRICULTURAL LAND.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Farmland Preservation Advisory Board to review any state-owned agricultural land, excluding Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) land, to evaluate permanent preservation methods and make recommendations for further preservation action. This includes recommendations for (1) a conservation easement or possible transfer of the property's interest and (2) the identification of potential recipients of any resulting conservation easement.

Under the bill, the board may consider preservation methods that would result in an increase in state revenue. The board must consult with the agency that controls the applicable parcel when undertaking its land review. It may consult with (1) the Attorney General's Office to review legal options for permanently preserving each parcel or (2) DEP or federal agencies to help calculate the conservation values for each parcel.

The board must submit its recommendations to the Department of Agriculture (DOAG) commissioner and the Environment Committee by January 15, 2010.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

AGRICULTURE LAND

The bill defines “agricultural land” as the law does for DOAG's agricultural land preservation program. By law, “agricultural land” means any land in the state which, based on soil types, existing and past use of the land for agricultural purposes, and other relevant factors, is suitable for (1) cultivating plants for production of human food and fiber and other useful and valuable plant products; (2) producing animals, livestock, and poultry useful to man and the environment; and (3) providing economically profitable farm units. It may include adjacent pastures, wooded land, natural drainage areas, and other adjacent open areas.

BACKGROUND

Farmland Preservation Advisory Board

By law, the 12-member board helps the Agriculture Department with its purchase of development rights program and other efforts to preserve agricultural lands.  The board is within DOAG for administrative purposes only.  The board must provide comments and recommendations on the purchase of development rights.  The board may also submit recommendations on preservation programs for legislative action.

Related Bill

sHB 6660, reported favorably by the Environment Committee, authorizes a $ 12. 5 million increase in bonds for the state's farmland preservation program.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable