The bill H.229 aims to establish the Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund in Vermont to provide financial assistance to farms and forestry operations 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, which are often difficult to navigate and do not adequately address their needs. The proposed fund is intended to ensure the viability of these operations, promote food security, and enhance resilience against future climate challenges.

The bill outlines the creation of a Review Board to oversee the fund, which will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets. It specifies the types of eligible weather conditions that can lead to financial losses, such as high winds, excessive moisture, and drought. Grants from the fund will reimburse up to 50% of uninsured losses, with a maximum award of $150,000 per year for each qualified applicant. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of language accessibility for applicants and mandates a streamlined application process. The General Assembly intends for the fund to receive annual appropriations based on documented farm losses from eligible weather conditions, ensuring ongoing support for Vermont's agricultural community. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 6-207