House Bill 3045 aims to establish the Farmer Protection Act in West Virginia, introducing a new article to the state's code that outlines the legislative findings, definitions, prohibitions against discrimination in agricultural financing, and enforcement mechanisms. The bill highlights the challenges faced by farmers, particularly small-scale operators, due to increasing demands for emissions reductions and the potential negative impacts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments from financial institutions. It emphasizes the importance of supporting agriculture producers by preventing financial institutions from discriminating against them based on their greenhouse gas emissions or use of fossil-fuel-derived products.

The bill includes specific provisions that create a rebuttable presumption of discrimination if a financial institution has made an ESG commitment, thereby allowing agriculture producers to challenge such actions. Enforcement of the act can be carried out by the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Agriculture, who are granted the authority to investigate violations and impose penalties. The act is designed to protect farmers from unfair financial practices that could jeopardize their livelihoods and food security for consumers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-40-1, 19-40-2, 19-40-3, 19-40-4