Legislative priority
Update Connecticut’s Right to Farm law
Connecticut farms keep communities fed and rural economies alive—but many operate under Right to Farm and zoning language written before modern agricultural practices were common.
5,500
farms across Connecticut
$4B
added to the state economy annually
23,000
acres of farmland lost or compromised
169
towns — one farm visit each
Modernize the state Right to Farm statute so lawful farm activities—including education, on-farm sales, and diversified enterprises—are clearly protected from nuisance claims.
Define incidental agricultural uses in state law so farms are not left interpreting different rules in all 169 towns.
Align local Right to Farm ordinances and zoning with Department of Agriculture goals for farm viability.
Reduce costly uncertainty so family farms can invest in stewardship, infrastructure, and community programming with confidence.
What is Right to Farm?
Right to Farm laws protect agricultural operations from unreasonable nuisance lawsuits and incompatible regulation. Connecticut’s framework should be updated so forest farms, education programs, direct marketing, and seasonal on-farm events are unmistakably within the scope of protected agricultural activity.
Why update state law?
Many Connecticut towns have adopted Right to Farm ordinances, and state law has long recognized agriculture’s importance—but farmers still face disputes when neighbors or boards question whether modern programming is “real” farming. A statewide update sets a clear floor while respecting local planning.
Public Act 490 & property tax
Passed in the 1960s, PA 490 assesses farm, forest, and open space land on use value. The Planning for Agriculture guide notes that enrolled farmland can generate a fiscal surplus compared to residential demand for services—yet reassessment, development pressure, and incompatible local rules can undermine both tax relief and the right to farm.
Zoning & local Right to Farm ordinances
The 2025 Regional Agriculture Viability Study documents diversified on-farm income growing rapidly while permitting for events, farmstands, and programming remains a bottleneck. Updated Right to Farm language gives zoning boards and farmers a shared definition of what agriculture includes today.
By the numbers
- 5,500 — farms across Connecticut
- $4B — added to the state economy annually
- 23,000 — acres of farmland lost or compromised
- 169 — towns — one farm visit each