From Annual Meeting Momentum to Capitol Action: CFBA Advocates for You in 2026

As the 2026 legislative session moves into high gear, the Connecticut Farm Bureau is hard at work advocating for our farmers at the Capitol. While our focus is on the critical bills currently moving through committee, we remain fueled by the momentum from our recent 2025 Annual Meeting where members, delegates and ag supporters conducted official business and celebrated the year’s achievements. The meeting helped prepare us for the advocacy we are conducting on your behalf right now and clarified our priorities for 2026.

The Annual Meeting also included the election of leaders, recognition of outstanding members, lawmakers and volunteers, and time to connect with fellow farmers and industry partners.

Farm Bureau is actively working with lawmakers to advance several bills affecting Connecticut farmers, including a Dairy Support Initiative tied to milk production volume, and, in partnership with Connecticut dairy farmers, is pushing for emergency assistance as the sharp decline in milk prices threatens the future of the state’s dairy industry.

Other key priorities include reforms to allow the sale of PA 490 land for continued agricultural, forest or open space use without triggering conveyance tax penalties; instituting a state tax credit for donated food to 25% of market value (up to $25,000); strengthening farm building property tax exemptions; expanding eligibility for the Farmer Investment Tax Credit; and allowing sterile cultivars of certain invasive species to be propagated and sold.

Lawmakers are also considering proposals to address wildlife pressures, including a bill that would allow farmers to defend their crops and livestock from bears when other methods fail, and establishing a statewide extended deer hunting season through January 31 to help reduce crop damage. These proposals reflect ongoing efforts by CFBA and farmer members to address wildlife damage, tax fairness, food security and economic sustainability for Connecticut agriculture.

Want to have your say? Since we are in the middle of the session, now is the time to submit testimony. Give Farm Bureau a call or head to the CGA website, pick the Environment Committee, and upload your testimony with your name and the bill number you care about. Try to get it in at least 24 hours before a hearing so lawmakers have time to read it. In the meantime, enjoy these photos for highlights from Annual Meeting: