Our policy ask
The case for updating Right to Farm
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. No bill has been introduced yet. That’s why we’re building public demand first.
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
Legislative status
No bill has been introduced yet. We are building constituent support so lawmakers see the demand before they act. Sign the petition and ask your state representative to introduce a Right to Farm modernization bill.
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.
Connecticut · 169 towns
Connecticut's 169 Towns
Every Connecticut municipality sets its own zoning rules for farm events. With 169 independent zoning boards, the patchwork of protections — and restrictions — varies dramatically from town to town.
P.A. 25-152 (effective Oct. 2025) established statewide liability immunity for farms, but zoning gaps remain. Hover any town to see its protection status. Data from the WestCOG Regional Agriculture Viability Study and ongoing 169 Towns Tour research.
Hover or tap any town for details. 24 of 169 towns documented · June 2026.
Sources: WestCOG Regional Agriculture Viability Study (Jan. 2025); town zoning regulations; 169 Towns Tour field research (ongoing). Map reflects status as of June 2026.
How does Connecticut compare — nationally?
Connecticut is among the weakest states in the country for agritourism regulatory protection. 38 states have stronger frameworks. Connecticut passed its first agritourism liability immunity statute in October 2025 (P.A. 25-152) — a real step forward. The remaining gaps: no Right to Farm coverage of modern farm activities, and no zoning preemption protecting farm events from local permit requirements.
Virginia and Florida are the national models — both have liability immunity AND state law that prevents localities from blocking agritourism on agricultural land.
Hover or tap any state for details. Data as of June 2026.
Rankings based on June 2026 research: National Agricultural Law Center, Farm Credit East (Sept. 2025), state statutes. Not legal advice — statutes differ in scope and enforcement.
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