The bill H.386, introduced by Representative Surprenant, aims to establish an Agricultural Land Transfer Assistance Program within the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. This program is designed to assist agricultural landowners in connecting with potential buyers who are committed to maintaining the land for farming purposes. The bill outlines the creation of a new chapter in the Vermont Statutes, specifically 6 V.S.A. chapter 208, which includes definitions, the establishment of the program, and the creation of a Land Transfer and Succession Board to oversee its implementation. The program will provide resources for succession planning, facilitate connections between sellers and buyers, and develop an online agricultural land portal to streamline the transfer process.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a Farm Ownership Succession Planning Program, which will include a toolkit for farmers planning to sell or close their farms. This toolkit will provide essential resources, such as financial information, educational programs, and legal templates. The Secretary is also required to conduct educational workshops and train staff to assist farmers in navigating the land transfer process. The bill includes a provision for the appropriation of $250,000 from the General Fund for the program's implementation in fiscal year 2026, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.