Final Thoughts on the 2015 Legislative Session
A message from WLA Director 

The legislature concluded the special session early morning on Tuesday, passing the final budget implementer bill and the bond package for the FY16 and 17 budget. The budget was signed by the Governor yesterday, thus putting a wrap on the 2015 legislative session.  Here is a quick summary of where things landed:

Community Investment Act:
  • The budget implementer bill did not make any further cuts to Community Investment Act (CIA). This is good news. Thus, despite the significant cut to CIA in the 2 year budget, the overall structure is intact and will still provide funding for farmland preservation/agricultural programs, open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing in FY16 and FY17.
Bonding:
  • The Farmland Preservation Program did not receive any new bond authorizations, due to the fact that there are balances in its account. Fortunately, these balances were left untouched and will provide significant support for our state's farmland protection efforts over the two-year budget.
  • The good news is that DEEP's Open Space grant program received $8 million in bond authorizations in both F16 and FY17.
  • The Farm Reinvestment Program received $1 million in authorizations for FY17 and the Agricultural Experiment Station received $11.7 million in authorizations for renovations to it's Valley Lab in Windsor.
Other notable items:
  • The budget implementer bill added shellfish grounds as eligible for the Department of Agriculture's Farmland Restoration Program and created an Aquaculture Advisory Council.
All in all, the 2015 legislative session was a difficult one, but our advocacy ensured that the investments in our farms and farm businesses will continue even in challenging budget years. Thanks again for your support of our efforts over these last few months.
All the best,

Lisa Bassani
WLA Project Director

WLA Releases Updated Farmland Protection Guide for Connecticut
Guide Intended for Landowners, Land Trusts and Municipalities Interested in Farmland Protection 

Last week, WLA released its updated educational guide,   Conservation Options for Connecticut Farmland. The comprehensive guide, produced in partnership with Connecticut Farmland Trust, has become a go-to resource for landowners, land trusts, and municipalities in Connecticut interested in protecting their farmland.

The newly-revised guide provides updated information on federal and state farmland protection programs and answers questions landowners may have about protecting their land with an agricultural conservation easement. The guide also includes information on tax considerations and estate planning, as well as extensive information on grant programs and other resources needed to make farmland preservation a reality. The case studies in the guide highlight some of the most innovative and effective farmland protection efforts happening in the state.

This project was funded through an Agricultural Viability Grant from the CT Department of Agriculture and with matching funding from the CT office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Click here for more information and to download an electronic version of the guide. Contact Lisa Bassani at [email protected] if you are would like a hard copy of the guide.  


Join us for Dinners at the Farm!
Farm Dinner Benefit Series Kicks off on July 22nd

Chef Jonathan Rapp and his wonderful team kicks of this year's Dinners at the Farm at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison, where they will be serving exquisite dinners from July 22nd through July 22nd!

Enjoy a multi-course meal (wine included!) featuring CT grown produce, local fish and meat, all prepared on the back of their signature, vintage cooking truck - a 1955 Ford F-600!   In addition to celebrating fresh, local food and Connecticut's diverse farming community, the dinner directly benefits five organizations that are working in various ways to promote local agriculture and healthy food. This year's beneficiaries are: Working Lands Alliance, CitySeed, Connecticut Farmland Trust, New CT Farmer Alliance, and Region 4 School District's Get Fresh 4 School initiative.

From August 5th to August 9th, the Dinners at the Farm benefit series will move to White Gate Farm in East Lyme. Eat, drink, be merry and support WLA and the other beneciaries!


Working Lands Alliance 
A Project of American Farmland Trust
775 Bloomfield Ave 
Windsor, CT 06096 
workinglandsalliance.org
860-683-4230

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