Substitute House Bill No. 5064 establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture, effective July 1, 2027, aimed at supporting agricultural preservation and farmland access. The program will provide grants to various entities, including agricultural not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, groups of municipalities, and regional councils of governments. The funds can be used to develop farmland access and affordability programs, excluding any existing programs as of the effective date. Importantly, grant recipients are prohibited from using the funds in ways that conflict with the preservation of farmland as outlined in current law.

The bill introduces new legal language to facilitate this grant program, specifically stating the eligibility criteria for grant recipients and the intended use of the funds. It does not appear to delete any existing legal language but rather adds provisions to enhance agricultural preservation efforts. This initiative reflects a commitment to maintaining farmland and ensuring access to agricultural resources in the state.