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Farm Groups Back Investment‑Credit Bill and Higher Machinery Tax Exemption to Help Modernize Connecticut Farms
Summary
Farm Bureau and multiple Connecticut farmers urged passage of HB 7,175, a package that would create an investment tax credit for farmers and raise the municipal property tax exemption on farm machinery and equipment from $100,000 to $500,000. Proponents said the changes would help farmers afford modern equipment, encourage multigenerational farm
Farmers and agricultural groups told the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee they support HB 7,175, which would create a farm investment tax credit and raise the municipal property tax exemption on farm machinery and equipment from $100,000 to $500,000.
Why it matters: Testimony described rising equipment costs, tight margins, and succession pressures in Connecticut agriculture. Supporters said the measures would encourage modernization, improve profitability and help keep family farms operating and investing locally.
What supporters said: Paul Larson, president of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and Tracy McDougall (executive director) called the bill “landmark,” noting it would require recipients to demonstrate farm income history, require assets be used in agricultural production for at least five years, and include payback language if assets leave agricultural production before the required service period. Farmer witnesses from dairy, vineyards and diversified farms described high equipment prices (examples included forage and harvest equipment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars) and argued credits and a larger machinery exemption would let them reinvest in safety, yield and succession.
Questions from committee members: Lawmakers asked how Connecticut compares with neighboring states and whether credits would drive relocation across state lines. Farmers who operate on both sides of the border said New York and Massachusetts programs provided competitive advantages and that Connecticut risks losing investment without a similar policy. Committee members requested statistical breakdowns of farm types and employment that proponents offered to supply in writing.
Ending: Supporters urged a yes vote, offering written testimony and follow‑up farm size and commodity data to the committee; several farmers noted the proposed measures would produce long‑term local economic benefits by sustaining farm businesses and agritourism.
