The bill S.60 aims to establish the Farm Security Special Fund in Vermont to provide financial assistance to farms that have suffered losses due to adverse weather conditions. The General Assembly recognizes the significant impact of extreme flooding and climate-related disasters on Vermont's agricultural sector in 2023 and 2024. The bill highlights the challenges faced by small- and medium-scale farmers in accessing existing state and federal support programs, particularly noting that federal crop insurance does not adequately cover their needs. The proposed fund is intended to ensure food security, climate resilience, and the overall vitality of rural economies by providing a permanent source of relief for farmers affected by climate emergencies.

The bill includes provisions for the administration of the Farm Security Special Fund by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and establishes a Review Board to oversee grant applications. Grants will reimburse farms for up to 50% of uninsured losses due to eligible weather conditions, with a maximum award of $150,000 per year per farm. The bill also mandates the development of a streamlined application process and emphasizes the importance of language accessibility for applicants. Additionally, it expresses the intent of the General Assembly to appropriate funds annually based on documented farm losses from eligible weather conditions, with a report due by January 15, 2026, to recommend future appropriations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 6-207