Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture

Sec. 22-1. Department of Agriculture. There shall be a state Department of Agriculture, consisting of a Commissioner of Agriculture and, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, such employees as may be necessary for the performance of the duties required by the general statutes.

(1953, S. 1691d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 309, 610; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

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Secs. 22-1a and 22-1b. Commissioner, department and council, general terminology change. Sections 22-1a and 22-1b are repealed.

(1959, P.A. 637, S. 2–5; 1961, P.A. 39, S. 2; 67; 217; February, 1965, P.A. 24, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 94, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 154.)

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Sec. 22-1c. Terminology change. As used in the general statutes, the terms “Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources”, and “Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources” and “commissioner” and “department”, when used in reference thereto, mean the Commissioner of Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, as the case may be.

(1971, P.A. 872, S. 446; P.A. 14-122, S. 128.)

History: P.A. 14-122 made technical changes.

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Sec. 22-2. Board of Agriculture. Section 22-2 is repealed.

(1953, S. 1692d; 1967, P.A. 269; P.A. 76-261, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 609, 610.)

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Sec. 22-3. Duties of commissioner. Preservation of Connecticut agricultural lands. Definitions. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall evaluate all information and statistics collected by the department with regard to agriculture for the purpose of recommending methods to be pursued, the needs and wants of practical husbandry and the adaptation of agricultural products to soil, climate and markets, and shall determine the policies best adapted to encourage and promote the development of agriculture within the state. The commissioner may appoint qualified persons to make studies and recommendations concerning matters of interest to the commissioner.

(b) As used in this section “agricultural land” means any land in the state suitable with reference to soil types, existing and past use of such land for agricultural purposes and other relevant factors, for the cultivation of plants, for the production of human food and fiber or other useful and valuable plant products and for the production of animals, livestock and poultry useful to man and the environment and may include adjacent pastures, wooded land, natural drainage areas and other adjacent open areas; “development rights” means the rights of the fee simple owner of agricultural land to develop, construct on, sell, lease or otherwise improve such land for uses that result in rendering such land no longer agricultural land, but shall not be construed to include: (1) The rights of the fee owner of agricultural land to develop, construct on, sell, lease or otherwise improve the agricultural land to preserve, maintain, operate or continue such land as agricultural land, including but not limited to, construction thereon of residences for persons, farm buildings, roadside stands for retail sale of food products and ornamental plants, facilities for the storing of equipment and products or processing thereof or such other improvements thereon as may be directly or incidentally related to the agricultural operation or (2) the rights of the fee owner to provide for the extraction of minerals, gravel or like natural elements.

(c) The commissioner shall (1) obtain an inventory of all land in the state which, without substantial removal of structures on such land, meets the definition of agricultural land provided in subsection (b) of this section, (2) formulate criteria for the designation of lands for which development rights may, in the future, be acquired by the state, including consideration of cost of acquisition, and (3) assist any municipality, upon written request, in identifying those agricultural lands in such municipality deserving of preservation for agricultural purposes.

(d) The joint committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to agriculture shall review and evaluate at least quarterly the criteria and procedures regarding the inventory of agricultural land made in accordance with the provisions of this section. The commissioner shall report at least quarterly the findings made in accordance with the provisions of this section to said committee.

(1953, S. 1693d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 545; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 75-463, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-105, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 310, 610; P.A. 82-314, S. 61, 63; P.A. 99-110, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture with commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 acts replaced commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources and added provisions re director of agriculture; 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 75-463 added Subsecs. (b) to (e) re definitions, land inventory, criteria for land classification, etc.; P.A. 76-105 added Subsec. (c)(3) requiring board to assist municipalities in identifying lands deserving preservation for agricultural purposes; P.A. 77-614 transferred duties formerly held by board to commissioner of agriculture and deleted provisions in Subsec. (a) re director of agriculture, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 82-314 changed official name of environment committee; P.A. 99-110 deleted former Subsec. (d) which had required adoption of regulations regarding removal of minerals from agricultural land, relettering Subsec. (e) as (d); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

Cited. 212 C. 727.

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Sec. 22-4. Appointment of commissioner. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 and 4-8. Said commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be determined as provided by section 4-40 and shall devote his full time to the duties of his office.

(1949 Rev., S. 3053; 1953, 1955, June, 1955, S. 1694d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 311, 610; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture and natural resources; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 replaced “sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive” with list of individual sections, effective January 1, 1979; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-4a. Delegation of commissioner's authority. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may designate as his agent any state or regional agency or municipality or employee thereof and delegate to such agent the authority to inspect in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this title, or any regulation adopted, or permit or order issued, by the commissioner pursuant to this title. Any delegation of authority by the commissioner shall be with the consent of such state or regional agency or municipality.

(b) Prior to the delegation of such authority, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall consider: (1) Whether a potential designee has or can obtain knowledge and training to carry out the delegated authority; (2) whether the delegated authority is within the jurisdiction of a potential designee pursuant to any other statute, regulation or local ordinance; and (3) whether a potential designee has the financial and administrative capacity to carry out the delegation.

(c) Notwithstanding any delegation of authority pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall retain authority to act under the provisions of this title and any decision by the commissioner shall preempt the decision of a designee.

(P.A. 95-141, S. 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: June 30 P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-4b. Designation of agents by commissioner. Designation of hearing officers by commissioner. The Commissioner of Agriculture may designate as an agent of the commissioner: (1) Any deputy commissioner or any employee of the department to exercise all or part of the authority, powers and duties of said commissioner in the absence of the commissioner, (2) any deputy commissioner or any employee, assistant or agent employed by the Department of Agriculture to exercise such authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture as the commissioner delegates for the administration or enforcement of any applicable statute, regulation, permit or order, (3) any deputy commissioner, employee, assistant or agent employed by the Department of Agriculture who is deemed qualified by the commissioner to act as a hearing officer in administrative hearings, (4) two or more qualified persons, one of whom shall be designated as the presiding officer to conduct administrative hearings, and (5) any qualified person to serve as a hearing officer for contested cases who may be compensated for such service. Any such hearing officer appointed by the commissioner shall render a proposed final decision or the final decision as directed by the commissioner except that the commissioner or deputy commissioner shall consider and make the final decision when modification or reconsideration of a contested case is requested by a party pursuant to section 4-181a.

(P.A. 95-141, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 119.)

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Sec. 22-4c. Powers of commissioner. Recording and transcription of hearings. Payment of related costs or expenses. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may: (1) Adopt, amend or repeal, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, such standards, criteria and regulations, and such procedural regulations as are necessary and proper to carry out the commissioner's functions, powers and duties; (2) enter into contracts with any person, firm, corporation or association to do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions, powers and duties of the department; (3) initiate and receive complaints as to any actual or suspected violation of any statute, regulation, permit or order administered, adopted or issued by the commissioner. The commissioner may hold hearings, administer oaths, take testimony and subpoena witnesses and evidence, enter orders and institute legal proceedings including, but not limited to, suits for injunctions and for the enforcement of any statute, regulation, order or permit administered, adopted or issued by the commissioner. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, may issue a citation in accordance with section 51-164n for any infraction or violation established in any provision of the general statutes that is under the commissioner's authority; (4) provide an advisory opinion, upon request of any municipality, state agency, tax assessor or any landowner as to what constitutes agriculture or farming pursuant to subsection (q) of section 1-1, or regarding classification of land as farm land or open space land pursuant to sections 12-107b to 12-107f, inclusive; (5) in accordance with constitutional limitations, enter at all reasonable times, without liability, upon any public or private property, except a private residence, for the purpose of inspection and investigation to ascertain possible violations of any statute, regulation, order or permit administered, adopted or issued by the commissioner and the owner, managing agent or occupant of any such property shall permit such entry, and no action for trespass shall lie against the commissioner for such entry, or the commissioner may apply to any court having criminal jurisdiction for a warrant to inspect such premises to determine compliance with any statute, regulation, order or permit or methods of manufacture or production ascertained by the commissioner during, or as a result of, any inspection, investigation or hearing; (6) undertake any studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses the commissioner may deem relevant, through the personnel of the department or in cooperation with any public or private agency, to accomplish the functions, powers and duties of the commissioner; (7) require the posting of sufficient performance bond or other security to assure compliance with any permit or order; (8) provide by notice printed on any form that any false statement made thereon or pursuant thereto is punishable as a criminal offense under section 53a-157b; and (9) by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, require the payment of a fee sufficient to cover the reasonable cost of acting upon an application for and monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of any state or federal permit, license, registration, order, certificate or approval. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, the costs of (A) public notice, (B) reviews, inspections and testing incidental to the issuance of and monitoring of compliance with such permits, licenses, orders, certificates and approvals, and (C) surveying and staking boundary lines. The applicant shall pay the fee established in accordance with the provisions of this section prior to the final decision of the commissioner on the application. The commissioner may postpone review of an application until receipt of the payment.

(b) In any hearing held on or after October 1, 1995, on an application for any license issued by the commissioner, (1) the applicant shall pay all costs of recording and transcribing the hearing if a transcript is required by law, and (2) any applicant who requests a copy of a transcript of a hearing for which a transcript is not required by law shall pay to the department any expenses incurred by the department in having such transcript prepared. In any proceeding held on or after October 1, 1995, on a department order to enforce any statute, regulation, permit or order administered or issued by the commissioner, the respondent or other person taking an appeal from a final decision of the commissioner shall pay all costs of recording and transcribing the hearing if a transcript is required by law. Upon a showing of indigency by such respondent or person, the court may require the commissioner to pay such costs.

(P.A. 95-141, S. 4; P.A. 00-196, S. 18; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146; P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 05-160, S. 1; P.A. 21-104, S. 57; P.A. 22-37, S. 8.)

History: P.A. 00-196 made technical changes in Subsec. (a); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 05-160 added new Subsec. (a)(4) to allow commissioner to provide advisory opinion re what constitutes agriculture or farming or re classification of open space or farm land and by redesignating existing Subdivs. (4) to (8) as new Subdivs. (5) to (9), effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 21-104 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by adding provision re commissioner or commissioner's agent issuing citation for infraction or violation; P.A. 22-37 made a technical change in Subsec. (a)(8).

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Sec. 22-4d. Cease and desist orders. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture, whenever he finds after investigation that (1) any person is causing, engaging in or maintaining, or is about to cause, engage in or maintain, any condition or activity which, in his judgment, will result in or is likely to result in imminent and substantial harm to any animal, or to public health within the jurisdiction of the commissioner under the provisions of this title, (2) there is a violation of the terms and conditions of a permit issued by him that is in his judgment substantial and continuous and it appears prejudicial to the interests of the people of the state to delay action until an opportunity for a hearing can be provided, or (3) any person is conducting, has conducted, or is about to conduct an activity which will result in or is likely to result in imminent and substantial harm to the animal, or to public health within the jurisdiction of the commissioner under the provisions of this title for which a license is required under the provisions of this title without obtaining such license, may, without prior hearing, issue a cease and desist order in writing to such person to discontinue, abate or alleviate such condition or activity.

(b) The commissioner shall serve any cease and desist order issued pursuant to this section in accordance with the provisions of sections 33-296, 33-297, 33-1050, 33-1051 and 52-57, as applicable. The commissioner may also cause a copy of the order to be posted upon property which is the subject of the order, and no action for trespass shall lie for such posting. Such cease and desist order shall be binding upon all persons against whom it is issued, their agents and any independent contractor engaged by such persons.

(c) Upon receipt of such order such person shall immediately comply with such order. The commissioner shall hold a hearing within ten days of the date of receipt of such order by all persons served with such order to provide any such person an opportunity to be heard and show that such condition does not exist or such violation has not occurred or a license was not required or all required licenses were obtained. All briefs or legal memoranda to be presented in connection with such hearing shall be filed not later than ten days after such hearing. Such order shall remain in effect until fifteen days after the hearing within which time a new decision based on the hearing shall be made.

(d) The Attorney General, upon the request of the commissioner, may institute an action in the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to enjoin any person from violating a cease and desist order issued pursuant to this section and to compel compliance with such order.

(P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-141, S. 5; 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 96-256, S. 207, 209; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: (Revisor's note: P.A. 88-230, 90-98, 93-142 and 95-220 authorized substitution of “judicial district of Hartford” for “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” in 1995 public and special acts, effective September 1, 1998); P.A. 96-256 amended Subsec. (b) to replace reference to Sec. 33-433 with Secs. 33-1050 and 33-1051, effective January 1, 1997; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-5. Deputy commissioner. Section 22-5 is repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 3053; 1953, June, 1955, S. 1695d; P.A. 77-614, S. 609, 610.)

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Sec. 22-6. Powers and duties of commissioner. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall be the administrative head of the Department of Agriculture. The commissioner shall encourage and promote the development of agriculture within the state and collect and publish information and statistics in regard to the agricultural and animal industries and interests of the state and submit the same to the Governor in an annual report. The commissioner shall, annually, visit different sections of the state and investigate the methods and wants of practical husbandry, the adaptation of agricultural products to soil, climate and markets, and, as far as practicable, visit agricultural fairs within the state, encourage the establishment of farmers' clubs, agricultural libraries and reading rooms and disseminate agricultural information by lectures or otherwise. In cooperation with The University of Connecticut, the commissioner may prepare and publish bulletins containing information concerning the cost of production of farm products. The commissioner is authorized to hold an annual state exhibit at the Eastern States Exposition at West Springfield, Massachusetts. The commissioner is authorized to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture for cooperative work in the collection and publication of agricultural statistics. The commissioner shall have the authority to charge such fees as the commissioner may deem reasonable for publications of information by any of the component agencies of the Department of Agriculture. The commissioner shall review any proposed capital project that would convert twenty-five or more acres of prime farmland or one acre or more of shellfish grounds to a nonagricultural use and if such project promotes agriculture or the goal of agricultural land preservation or if there is no reasonable alternative site for the project the commissioner shall file a statement with the Bond Commission so indicating. The commissioner shall file a statement with the Bond Commission for any proposed capital project that would convert or impair any shellfish grounds and shall include in such statement any comments the commissioner deems appropriate for the protection of such grounds. The commissioner shall administer those provisions of sections 12-107a, 12-107b, 12-107c and 12-107e that address the assessment of farmland and open space. The commissioner may request the Attorney General to bring an action in the Superior Court for injunctive relief requiring compliance with any statute, regulation, order or permit administered, adopted or issued by the commissioner.

(1949 Rev., S. 3054; 1953, S. 1696d; September, 1957, P.A. 11, S. 13; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1967, P.A. 508, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 23; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 393; P.A. 77-614, S. 312, 610; P.A. 83-102, S. 2; P.A. 87-504, S. 1, 5; P.A. 89-226, S. 1; P.A. 94-201, S. 4, 7; P.A. 95-156, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 120.)

History: 1959 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture with commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources; 1967 act deleted $2,000 limit on expenses of exhibit at Eastern States Exposition; 1969 act allowed commissioner to charge reasonable fees for publications by component agencies of department; 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture and added provisions placing board of agriculture and Connecticut marketing authority under supervision of commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 deleted provisions which had made commissioner responsible for carrying out board of agriculture's policies and which had placed board and marketing authority within jurisdiction of agriculture commissioner and department, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 83-102 required the commissioner to review certain capital projects before bonding authorization for their impact on agriculture and agricultural land preservation; P.A. 87-504 authorized the commissioner to request the attorney general to seek an injunction for compliance with agricultural statutes, regulations, orders or permits; P.A. 89-226 added the provisions authorizing the commissioner to designate an agent; P.A. 94-201 directed the commissioner to administer certain provisions of Secs. 12-107a to 12-107c, inclusive, and 12-107e, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-156 added provisions re review of capital projects which will affect shellfish grounds; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 deleted provisions authorizing commissioner to designate as agent any deputy commissioner to act in commissioner's absence and any deputy commissioner or employee for purpose of administering or enforcing any statute, regulation or order, and made technical changes.

See Sec. 19a-341 re inspection and approval of agricultural or farming operations to determine that operation follows generally accepted agricultural practices.

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Sec. 22-6a. Receipt of federal funds and gifts by commissioner. The Commissioner of Agriculture may, subject to any limitations otherwise imposed by law, receive and accept on behalf of the Department of Agriculture or any component agency thereof any funds which may be offered or which may become available from federal grants or appropriations, private gifts, donations or bequests, or any other source and may expend such funds for the purposes of such grants or appropriations, gifts, donations or bequests.

(February, 1965, P.A. 41, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

See Sec. 22a-22 re acceptance of federal aid by Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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Sec. 22-6b. Refunds of sums paid Department of Agriculture. The Comptroller, upon application of the Commissioner of Agriculture, may draw his order upon the Treasurer in favor of any person equitably entitled to the refund of any money paid to any component agency of the Department of Agriculture for the amount of such refund as determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture, provided, if the amount of such refund exceeds two hundred fifty dollars, such refund shall only be made with the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

(1969, P.A. 15; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 19, 610; P.A. 82-207, S. 1, 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with secretary of the office of policy and management; P.A. 82-207 amended the section to increase from $25 to $250 the amount the department can refund without approval of the secretary of the office of policy and management; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-6c. Reimbursement of comprehensive farm nutrient management plan, farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan or farm resources management plan. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may pay, not more than fifty per cent of the cost in advance, or reimburse any farmer for part of the cost of compliance with a comprehensive farm nutrient management plan, farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan or a farm resources management plan, provided such plan has been approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. The Commissioner of Agriculture, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, may certify for payment or reimbursement comprehensive farm nutrient management or farm resources management plan practices that have been approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection pursuant to this section. The total federal and state grant available to a farmer shall not be more than ninety per cent of such cost. In making grants under this subsection, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall give priority to capital improvements made in accordance with a comprehensive farm nutrient management plan, a farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan or a farm resources management plan prepared pursuant to section 22a-354m.

(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture may pay, not more than fifty per cent of the cost in advance, or reimburse any farmer for part of the cost to develop, implement and comply with a farm resources management plan or a farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan, including for the costs of farm equipment purchases, provided such plan has been approved by the commissioner. Such reimbursement or payment shall not exceed fifty per cent of the cost of such plan or twenty thousand dollars, whichever is less, except any such reimbursement or payment for such a plan on any state-owned land or any municipally owned land with an agricultural lease of five years or longer shall not exceed ninety per cent of the cost of such plan or twenty thousand dollars, whichever is less. The Commissioner of Agriculture may pay or reimburse any nonprofit organization, soil and water conservation district, The University of Connecticut Extension Services or any municipality to: (1) Provide technical assistance, (2) distribute grant funding to producers, (3) coordinate training programs, (4) coordinate projects that pilot or demonstrate conservation practices, (5) create tools that help reduce barriers to accessing assistance for conservation practices on farms, (6) establish equipment-sharing programs, or (7) other activities that will increase the number of farmers who are implementing climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. Such plan may require agricultural restoration and climate-smart agricultural and forestry plans, practices and purposes, as defined in section 22-6d.

(c) For purposes of this section, “farmer” includes, but is not limited to, any lessee or franchise holder of a state or town shellfish bed and “farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan” means a conservation plan of the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, a conservation plan of a soil and water conservation district established pursuant to section 22a-315 or a conservation plan approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture. “Farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan” includes agricultural restoration purposes, as defined in section 22-6d, and conservation and restoration plans for leased or franchised shellfish beds.

(P.A. 74-258, S. 1, 3; P.A. 75-335, S. 1, 2; P.A. 85-266, S. 1, 2; P.A. 89-305, S. 28, 32; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-2, S. 8, 203; P.A. 97-234, S. 1; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-65, S. 1; 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1, S. 14; P.A. 15-22, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 121; P.A. 22-118, S. 145.)

History: P.A. 75-335 made reimbursement for 50% of cost of completion of component of farm waste management system optional rather than mandatory; P.A. 85-266 made the maximum grant 75% of the cost of a component, rather than 50% of the cost but not more than $3,500; P.A. 89-305 required agriculture commissioner to give priority for grants to capital improvements made in accordance with farm resources plan; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-2 changed provision requiring completion of a farm waste management system for reimbursement by agriculture department to compliance with a farm resources management plan and added reference to certifications made by environmental protection department, effective July 1, 1994 (Revisor's note: In 1995 an obsolete reference to “such component” of a farm waste management system was changed editorially by the Revisors to “such plan” in keeping with substitution of farm resources management plans for farm waste management systems and their components); P.A. 97-234 changed reference to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service to the Farm Service Agency; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-65 added provisions re comprehensive farm nutrient management plan, deleted requirement for certification by federal Farm Service Agency, added provision authorizing certification for payment by Commissioner of Agriculture in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture and changed total federal and state grant amount limit from 75% to 90% of cost, effective May 10, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to make technical changes, and added Subsec. (b) re reimbursement for part of the cost associated with a farm resources management plan intended to restore farmland, effective October 27, 2011; P.A. 15-22 amended Subsec. (b) by including in reimbursable costs implementation and compliance with farm resources management plan and development, implementation and compliance with farmland restoration plan and adding exception to provision re 50 per cent reimbursement limit for management or restoration plan on state-owned or municipally owned land with agricultural lease of 5 years or longer, added Subsec. (c) re definition of “farmland restoration plan”, and made technical changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (c) by adding definition of “farmer” and redefining “farmland restoration plan”; P.A. 22-118 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re advancing not more than 50 per cent of the cost of such plans, add reference to farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan and made a conforming and a technical change, Subsec. (b) to add provision re advancing not more than 50 per cent of the cost of such plans, add reference to farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan, add reference to costs of farm equipment purchases, add provision authorizing payments or reimbursements to nonprofit organizations, soil and water conservation districts, The University of Connecticut Extension Services or any municipality to provide technical assistance, distribute grant funding to producers, coordinate training programs, coordinate conservation practices, create tools to reduce barriers to accessing assistance for conservation practices, establish equipment-sharing programs or other activities that increase the number of farmers implementing climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices and made conforming changes and amended Subsec. (c) to define “farmland restoration and climate resiliency plan”.

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Sec. 22-6d. Definitions. As used in section 22-6e: “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture; “department” means the Department of Agriculture; “garden” means a piece of land appropriate for the cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables; “sponsor” means any municipal agency or nonprofit civic service association or organization designated by the commissioner to operate a program pursuant to section 22-6e; “use” means, when applied to gardening, to make use of, without conveyance of title or any other ownership; “vacant public land” means any land owned by the state, or any municipality therein, that is not in use for public purposes; “agricultural restoration purposes” means reclamation of grown-over pastures and meadows, installation of fences in restoration areas to keep wildlife out of such areas, manage livestock and to keep livestock out of riparian areas, climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices, including such practices in urban communities, soil health improvements, replanting of vegetation on erosion prone land or along streams, restoration and improvement of water runoff patterns, improvement of water sources and irrigation efficiency, conducting hedgerow and woodlot management, including the removal of invasive plants and timber, purchasing farm equipment to improve soil health or renovating farm ponds through farm pond management and any incidental land clearing activities attendant to such reclamation, installation, restoration, replanting, improvement, management or renovating; and “climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices” means practices developed or prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to said department's climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy.

(P.A. 75-497, S. 1, 4; P.A. 77-75, S. 1, 3; P.A. 82-327, S. 9; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1, S. 12; P.A. 15-22, S. 2; P.A. 22-118, S. 146.)

History: P.A. 77-75 defined “sponsor”; P.A. 82-327 removed the reference to a repealed Sec. 7-152a; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1 defined “agricultural restoration purposes”, effective October 27, 2011; P.A. 15-22 redefined “agricultural restoration purposes” and made a technical change; P.A. 22-118 redefined “agricultural restoration purposes” to include reference to climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices and include reference to soil health improvements, improvement of water sources, woodlot management and purchasing farm equipment to improve soil health and defined “climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices”.

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Sec. 22-6e. Use of vacant public land for gardening, agricultural purposes or agricultural restoration purposes. (a) The commissioner may develop a program to encourage the use of vacant public land owned by the state for gardening, agricultural purposes or agricultural restoration purposes. In order to carry out said program, the commissioner shall: (1) In cooperation with other state agencies, compile a list of all vacant public land owned by the state, that in the opinion of such agencies and the commissioner may be feasibly used for gardening, agriculture or, based upon soil type, is suitable for agricultural restoration purposes, and (2) establish a procedure for application to the department on a form to be furnished by the commissioner for a permit to use available vacant public land for gardening, agricultural purposes or agricultural restoration purposes. The commissioner shall adopt regulations pursuant to chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of this section, including but not limited to requirements for agreements to use vacant public land for gardening, agricultural purposes or agricultural restoration purposes, establishment of a fee for such permit, except that no fee shall be charged for gardening permits, and requirements for the use of such land for agricultural purposes based on competitive open bidding. Permits shall be for a period prescribed by the commissioner but shall not exceed ten years from the date of issuance. After such period permit holders may apply for a new permit or renewal of the permit. Applicants shall submit a plan for such use and shall agree to maintain the land in a condition consistent with such land use plan, and shall agree to abide by regulations adopted by the department pursuant to chapter 54. Failure to carry out the conditions of agreement shall result in the forfeiture of the garden, agriculture or agricultural restoration permit. Any applicant who is granted the use of vacant public land for gardening, agricultural purposes or agricultural restoration purposes shall indemnify and save harmless the state and all of its officers, agents and employees against suits and claims of liability of each name and nature arising out of, or in consequence of the use of vacant public land.

(b) Any permit issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section may be terminated by the commissioner, without cause, upon written notice to the permittee.

(c) A sponsor who has a gardening permit may assess a fee to individual gardeners for the sole purpose of reimbursing such sponsor for costs incurred in land preparation.

(d) Any payments by the permit holder pursuant to an agreement for the use of state land for agricultural purposes shall be credited in equal shares to the General Fund account of the agency whose land is being used for such purposes and to the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of administering the program.

(P.A. 75-497, S. 2, 4; P.A. 77-75, S. 2, 3; P.A. 82-310, S. 1, 2; P.A. 83-26; P.A. 05-124, S. 3; P.A. 06-196, S. 153; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1, S. 13.)

History: P.A. 77-75 added “sponsor” in Subdiv. (2), replaced “person” with “applicant” in hold harmless provision and added Subsecs. (b) and (c) re termination of permits and fees; P.A. 82-310 amended the section to authorize the use of vacant public land for agricultural purposes where before use was restricted to gardening, required the commissioner adopt regulations and establish permit fees and added Subsec. (d) mandating payments be credited to the general fund account of the agency whose land is used for agricultural purposes; P.A. 83-26 amended Subsec. (a) to require regulations for agricultural use based on competitive open bidding; P.A. 05-124 made a technical change and extended maximum permit period from 7 to 10 years in Subsec. (a) and credited payments by permit holder in equal shares to General Fund and Department of Agriculture for purpose of administering program in Subsec. (d); P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective June 7, 2006; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1 added provisions re agricultural restoration purposes, effective October 27, 2011.

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Sec. 22-6f. Participation in farmers' market coupon programs. Regulations. (a) The Commissioners of Agriculture and Public Health are authorized to take advantage of the farmers' market program under the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, as amended from time to time and other farmers' market programs. Such programs shall be administered in a manner consistent with federal laws and regulations, where applicable.

(b) The commissioners may (1) establish guidelines for the certification of farmers who are eligible for the program, (2) issue compliance orders to participating farmers and (3) take any action necessary to recoup from a participant or contractor any grant funds which, through negligence or fraud, were misused or otherwise diverted from the purposes of the program.

(c) The Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 90-313, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-6g. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Definitions. For the purposes of sections 22-6g to 22-6p, inclusive:

(1) “Application” means a request made by an individual to the department for vendor certification in CFM/WIC on a form provided by the department;

(2) “Authorized farmers' market” means a farmers' market that operates within the service area and is a site authorized by the department for the exchange of vouchers and Connecticut-grown fresh produce;

(3) “Certified vendor” means an individual who has met all CFM/WIC conditions as outlined by the department and who is guaranteed payment on all vouchers accepted, provided compliance is maintained by that individual regarding all CFM/WIC rules and procedures as outlined in the vendor certification handbook;

(4) “Certified vendor identification stamp” means a department-issued stamp that shall be utilized by the certified vendor during each occurrence of voucher deposit in the financial institution of certified vendor choice. This stamp shall remain the sole property of the department and shall be forfeited by the certified vendor to the department in the event of suspension;

(5) “Certified vendor identification sign” means a department-issued sign which shall be clearly displayed by the certified vendor at all times when accepting or intending to accept vouchers in an authorized farmers' market. Signs shall remain the sole property of the department and shall be forfeited by the certified vendor to the department in the event of suspension;

(6) “Certified vendor number” means a personal identification number issued by the department and assigned to an individual whom the department has identified as a certified vendor;

(7) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture;

(8) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture;

(9) “Designated distribution WIC clinic” means a site authorized by the department for dispersal of vouchers by the local WIC agency;

(10) “Distribution” means the process outlined by the department and the means by which local WIC agencies actually dispense vouchers to eligible participants;

(11) “Farm products” means any fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, shell eggs, honey or other bee products, maple syrup or maple sugar, flowers, nursery stock and other horticultural commodities, livestock food products, including meat, milk, cheese and other dairy products, food products of “aquaculture”, as defined in subsection (q) of section 1-1, including fish, oysters, clams, mussels and other molluscan shellfish taken from the waters of the state or tidal wetlands, products from any tree, vine or plant and their flowers, or any of the products listed in this subdivision that have been processed by the participating farmer, including, but not limited to, baked goods made with farm products;

(12) “Farmers' market” means a cooperative or nonprofit enterprise or association that consistently occupies a given site throughout the season, which operates principally as a common marketplace for a group of farmers, at least two of whom are selling Connecticut-grown fresh produce, to sell Connecticut-grown farm products directly to consumers, and where the products sold are produced by the participating farmers with the sole intent and purpose of generating a portion of household income;

(13) “Fresh produce” means fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner and chicken eggs;

(14) “CFM/WIC” means the Connecticut farmers' market supplemental food program for women, infants and children as administered by the department;

(15) “Local WIC agency” means an entity that administers local health programs and which has entered into contract for voucher distribution and related service with the department;

(16) “Connecticut-grown” means produce and other farm products that have a traceable point of origin within Connecticut;

(17) “Posted hours and days” means the operational time frames stated in assurances submitted by a duly authorized representative of an authorized farmers' market which includes a beginning and an ending date for each year of operation;

(18) “Participant” means a client of WIC who is at least one year of age, who possesses one of the WIC classification codes selected for inclusion by the Department of Public Health and who is an active participant in a designated distribution clinic;

(19) “Season” means a clearly delineated period of time during a given year that has a beginning date and ending date, as specified by the department, which correlates with a major portion of the harvest period for Connecticut-grown fresh produce;

(20) “Service area” means the geographic areas that encompass all of the designated distribution clinics and authorized farmers' markets within Connecticut for a given season;

(21) “USDA-FNS” means the United States Department of Agriculture-Food and Nutrition Service;

(22) “Vendor certification handbook” means a publication by the department that is based on USDA-FNS mandates and guidelines, addresses CFM/WIC rules and procedures applicable to a certified vendor, and provides the basis for vendor training. A copy of the publication shall be issued to each individual prior to application. New editions supersede all previous editions;

(23) “Voucher” means a negotiable instrument issued by the department to participants that is redeemable only for Connecticut-grown fresh produce from certified vendors at authorized farmers' markets, with a limited negotiable period that directly correlates to the season designated by the department;

(24) “WIC” means the special supplemental food program for women, infants and children, as administered by the Department of Public Health.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 1, 12; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 06-52, S. 2; P.A. 21-155, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 06-52 added new Subdiv. (11) defining “farm products”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (11) to (23) as Subdivs. (12) to (24), respectively, and redefined “farmers' market”, “fresh produce” and “Connecticut-grown”, effective May 8, 2006; P.A. 21-155 amended Subdiv. (13) by redefining “fresh produce”.

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Sec. 22-6h. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Purposes. Administration. (a) There is established the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program which shall be jointly funded by the state of Connecticut and the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. The program shall supply Connecticut-grown fresh produce to participants of the special supplemental food program through the distribution of vouchers that are redeemable only at designated Connecticut farmers' markets. The program is designed to provide both a supplemental source of fresh produce for the dietary needs of women, infants and children who are judged to be at nutritional risk and to stimulate an increased demand for Connecticut-grown fresh produce at Connecticut farmers' markets.

(b) The program shall be administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture who shall maintain all conditions as outlined in the farmers' market nutrition agreement entered into with USDA-FNS, as amended.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 2, 12; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-6i. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Eligibility requirements. (a) The Department of Public Health WIC client screening processes and records shall provide the basis for identifying participants eligible for receipt of vouchers.

(b) Local WIC agencies shall distribute vouchers at designated distribution clinics to participants in the manner specified by the department in the program and procedures guide for distribution clinic staff. Local WIC agency services shall ensure that:

(1) Vouchers are distributed only to participants through verification that the client name and number on the distribution registry provided by the Department of Public Health correspond with the client name and number printed on the WIC identification folder in the possession of the participant.

(2) Each eligible participant is issued five three-dollar vouchers during each distribution as authorized by the department.

(3) The voucher serial numbers issued to the participant correspond to the number in the distribution registry in which the participant signature is affixed.

(4) Each voucher issued and the distribution registry are properly signed by the participant in the presence of local agency staff at the time of distribution or, if a proxy is utilized, a written, electronic or verbal communication is made by the participant or such proxy which acknowledges receipt from the local agency staff at the time of distribution.

(5) Any adult may act as a proxy provided the participant designates such adult as his or her proxy in writing.

(6) Each participant is provided a thorough explanation of program guidelines and participant responsibility as outlined by the department.

(7) All CFM/WIC support materials are put into use as outlined by the department.

(8) Accurate and complete records of all related CFM/WIC activities in the possession of a WIC local agency are maintained and retained for a minimum of four years. In the event of litigation, negotiation, or audit findings, the records shall be retained until all issues arising from such actions have been resolved or until the end of the regular four-year period, whichever is later.

(9) All agency records pertaining to this program shall be made available for inspection to representatives of USDA-FNS, the Comptroller General of the United States, the state Auditors of Public Accounts, the department, and the Department of Public Health as necessary, at any time during normal business hours, and as frequently as is deemed necessary for inspection and audit. Confidentiality of personal information shall be maintained as to all program participants at all times.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 3, 12; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 08-13, S. 1; P.A. 21-155, S. 7.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 08-13 amended Subsec. (b)(2) by increasing voucher amount from $2 to $3, effective April 29, 2008; P.A. 21-155 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re use of proxy in Subdiv. (4) and replacing provision re proxy not allowed and exceptions with provision re any adult may act as proxy in Subdiv. (5), effective July 12, 2021.

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Sec. 22-6j. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Responsibilities of participants. Participants shall be responsible for:

(1) Qualifying under WIC program guidelines and attending a designated distribution clinic during the relevant distribution cycles when vouchers are dispersed;

(2) Properly countersigning a voucher prior to use;

(3) Using vouchers only to purchase Connecticut-grown fresh produce from certified vendors who display CFM/WIC signs at authorized farmers' markets;

(4) Redeeming vouchers on or before the expiration date printed on the face of the voucher or surrendering all claim to the value of vouchers that remain unredeemed;

(5) Ensuring vouchers that are received are not assigned to any other party other than as provided by the department;

(6) Reporting violations or problems to the department or the local agency; and

(7) Reporting all incidents of lost or stolen vouchers to the local agency.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 4, 12; P.A. 21-155, S. 8.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 21-155 amended Subdiv. (2) to replace “at time of use in the presence of the certified vendor who is accepting each voucher in exchange for fresh produce” with “prior to use”, effective July 12, 2021.

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Sec. 22-6k. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Records. Authorization of markets. (a) Each authorized farmers' market shall maintain records of operation which shall be provided to the department and which shall include posted hours and days and shall be signed by a duly authorized representative of the farmers' market. Farmers' market assurances shall be submitted in a manner outlined by the department and shall provide evidence of:

(1) Whether a farmers' market possesses the capability to serve the additional demands brought about by distribution of vouchers in the area without causing undue harm to the existing farmers' market consumer base; and

(2) A willingness by persons associated with the farmers' market to meet all CFM/WIC requirements. Information submitted by a farmers' market shall include, but not be limited to:

(A) The number of Connecticut-grown fresh produce vendor participants;

(B) Hours of operation to be maintained per week;

(D) Accessibility and consistency of farmers' market location.

(b) The department shall give priority to a farmers' market with previous involvement in CFM/WIC provided the farmers' market has maintained the conditions outlined in its farmers' market assurances and does not have a high incidence of certified vendor noncompliance or suspensions.

(c) In determining a farmers' market's authorization, the commissioner shall consider the number of eligible applications received by the department prior to the first of May which indicate the intent to participate in the proposed farmers' market. The standard for the authorization of a single or principal farmers' market in a county shall be one eligible application for every one hundred participants who participate in the distribution clinic in said county. A minimum of two or more eligible applications shall be required for a farmers' market to receive authorization.

(d) The number of farmers' markets authorized for the season shall be determined by the department no later than the thirty-first day of May prior to each season.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 5, 12; P.A. 16-89, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 16-89 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to make technical changes, effective June 1, 2016.

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Sec. 22-6l. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Vendor certification. (a) Vendor certification shall not be in effect and vouchers shall not be accepted until receipt by the applicant of a certified vendor identification stamp, a certified vendor identification sign and the applicant copy of the department-vendor agreement.

(b) Each vendor certification shall be valid for three years. The department shall not limit the number of vendors who may become certified under CFM/WIC. A vendor who satisfies all the following criteria shall be certified to accept vouchers:

(1) Agrees to maintain only Connecticut-grown fresh produce on display in a certified vendor stall;

(2) Indicates an intent to participate in one or more authorized farmers' markets;

(3) Demonstrates participation in training on CFM/WIC rules and procedures through attendance in an entire session of one of the scheduled training meetings conducted by department staff;

(4) Submits a signed statement of receipts of a vendor certification handbook;

(5) Submits a completed application and crop plan to the department prior to the deadline established by the department; and

(6) Submits completed and signed certified vendor agreements to the department.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 6, 12; P.A. 21-155, S. 9.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 21-155 amended Subsec. (b) to replace provision re expiration of vendor certification at end of each year of issuance with provision re validity of vendor certification for 3 years, effective July 12, 2021.

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Sec. 22-6m. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Responsibilities of vendors. (a) A certified vendor may accept vouchers only for a transaction that takes place at a certified farmers' market and only in exchange for Connecticut-grown fresh produce and may accept vouchers as payment for Connecticut-grown fresh produce only if presented on or before the usage expiration date printed on the face of the voucher.

(b) A certified vendor shall (1) prominently display a certified vendor identification sign as outlined in the certified vendor handbook, (2) provide Connecticut-grown fresh produce to participants upon receipt of a valid and properly completed voucher, which is signed by the WIC client, (3) handle transactions with WIC participants in the same manner as transactions with all other customers, (4) not collect state or local taxes on purchases involving vouchers, (5) charge participants a price for Connecticut-grown fresh produce that is equal to or less than the current price charged to nonparticipant customers, (6) not levy a surcharge based on the use of vouchers by participants, (7) return no cash or issue credit in any form to participants during sales transactions that involve vouchers only and in the event of a single transaction in which a participant presents a combination of cash and vouchers for the purchase of Connecticut-grown fresh produce, cash or credit up to the value of the cash portion of the payment shall be given to the participant, (8) participate in training as the department deems necessary to carry out the intent of CFM/WIC, (9) cooperate with the department in the evaluation of each season by completely and accurately responding to a survey, with resubmission to the department in a specified and timely manner, (10) immediately inform the department in the event of loss, destruction, or theft of either the certified vendor endorsement stamp or certified vendor identification sign so that a replacement may be issued, and (11) comply with all procedures and rules as herein outlined and as delineated in the department-vendor agreement, the certified vendor handbook and official written notices of clarification issued by the department to the vendor.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 7, 12.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994.

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Sec. 22-6n. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Penalties for violations. (a) The commissioner shall return a voucher to a certified vendor unpaid if the certified vendor identification number is not properly affixed to the back of the voucher, the certified vendor does not endorse the voucher or the participant's signature is missing on the face of the voucher. A voucher may be resubmitted for payment in the event that the signature or vendor certification identification error can be properly and legally corrected by the certified vendor. Violations of CFM/WIC procedures and rules applicable to a certified vendor shall be identified as Class I violations, Class II violations and Class III violations. Violations involving the use of multiple vouchers in a single sales transaction shall be considered as a single violation. Violations involving multiple sales transactions, regardless of time elapsed, shall be considered multiple violations at a standard of one violation per sales transaction.

(b) For Class I violations, the commissioner shall issue a warning letter to the violating certified vendor. Failure to appropriately display the certified vendor identification sign shall constitute a Class I violation.

(c) For Class II violations, the commissioner shall issue an official written citation of noncompliance to the violating certified vendor. The following shall constitute Class II violations:

(1) Noncompliance with rules and procedures as outlined in the vendor certification handbook and in the department-vendor agreement which is not specifically identified as a Class I violation;

(2) Participant is charged a price that is greater than that charged nonparticipant or is charged for items not received;

(3) Refusal to accept valid vouchers for Connecticut-grown fresh produce;

(4) Failure to permit or comply with procedures regarding inspection of evidence by the department when point of origin of fresh produce on display or offered for sale in a certified vendor staff is in question;

(5) Abusive or discriminatory treatment of participants or CFM/WIC staff;

(6) Displaying or offering for sale non-Connecticut-grown fresh produce in a certified vendor stall;

(7) An authorized farmers' market is neither open nor staffed during posted hours and days during the season in which the certified vendor is a designated participant; or

(8) The second like instance of a Class I violation by a single certified vendor.

(d) For Class III violations, the commissioner shall suspend the violating vendor from participation in CFM/WIC. The following shall constitute Class III violations:

(1) A third Class I violation by a single vendor;

(2) The second of two Class II violations of the same type by a single vendor;

(3) Exchanging ineligible products or cash for vouchers; or

(4) Cashing vouchers for a noncertified market.

(e) The commissioner shall issue a written official notice of noncompliance to the certified vendor within seventy-two hours of receipt of evidence involving an act of noncompliance. Suspension of a certified vendor from participation in CFM/WIC shall remain in effect for the remainder of the season. An exception shall occur when suspension occurs within thirty days of the expiration date for voucher usage by participants. In such case, suspension shall also include the entire season of the following calendar year. In the event of a suspension, the vendor shall reimburse the commissioner for the value of any vouchers deposited and paid upon after the official date of suspension notification. At the conclusion of a suspension period, the vendor may reapply for certification in order to resume participation in CFM/WIC.

(f) Any vendor successfully recertified following a suspension shall be on probationary status for one full season. Recurrence of a Class II violation during the probationary period and for which the certified vendor has been cited shall be sufficient grounds for immediate and automatic suspension.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 8, 12.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994.

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Sec. 22-6o. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Citation of noncompliance of vendor. A written notice of noncompliance or suspension from the department shall be pending for seventy-two hours of receipt by the certified vendor. The certified vendor shall be granted the pending period for presenting sufficient evidence to the department to substantiate a reversal. Remedies undertaken in response to receipt of written notice of a pending citation of noncompliance or suspension shall not constitute evidence in defense of such citation. Failure to present any evidence to the department within the specified pending period shall constitute acceptance of the citation of noncompliance or suspension by the certified vendor. Submission of insufficient evidence by the certified vendor for determination of reversal on the pending citation by the department shall result in an official citation of noncompliance or suspension upon completion of the pending period.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 9, 12.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994.

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Sec. 22-6p. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Assurances. Vouchers. (a) Assurances, on forms provided by the department, must be submitted no later than the first day of March in order for the farmers' market to receive consideration of authorization for the upcoming season.

(b) All applications shall be submitted no later than one month preceding the last date in which vouchers may be used by participants at authorized farmers' markets.

(c) Vouchers shall be valid from the time of issue through the season ending date as designated by the department. Such date shall be clearly printed on the voucher face. Voucher usage shall be null and void after expiration date.

(d) All vouchers accepted by a certified vendor shall be deposited on or before thirty days following the date of expiration for voucher usage by participants. Such date shall be clearly printed on the front of vouchers. Any claim to voucher payment beyond the voucher reimbursement expiration date is not valid and shall be denied.

(e) Deadlines for submission of records, reports, survey instruments and undistributed vouchers by local agencies shall be established by the department and specified in the agreement entered into with the local agency.

(f) The department shall develop and submit a completed operations report in January in a manner prescribed by USDA-FNS which summarizes the CFM/WIC operations for the previous year.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 10, 12.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994.

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Sec. 22-6q. Connecticut Farmers' Market/Senior Nutrition Program. (a) There is established the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Senior Nutrition Program which shall be provided for from funds available to the commissioner and from other sources as such funds may become available. The program shall supply Connecticut-grown fresh produce to senior participants through the distribution of vouchers that are redeemable only at designated Connecticut farmers' markets. For purposes of this section, a “senior participant” is defined as a person who is sixty years of age or older and is currently residing in elderly housing, or is a participant of a registered congregate meal site, or has been identified by a municipal elderly agent as being at nutritional risk. The program is designed to provide both a supplemental source of fresh produce for the dietary needs of seniors who are judged to be at nutritional risk and to stimulate an increased demand for Connecticut-grown produce at Connecticut farmers' markets. For purposes of this section, “fresh produce” means fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner and chicken eggs.

(b) The program shall be administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture who shall maintain all conditions for its operations.

(P.A. 94-187, S. 11, 12; P.A. 98-12, S. 1, 22; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 21-155, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 98-12 deleted former Subsec. (c) re adoption of regulations, effective July 1, 1998; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 21-155 amended Subsec. (a) to define “fresh produce”.

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Sec. 22-6r. Certified farmers' markets. Definitions. Sale of farm products at farmers' kiosks and food establishments. Listing of farmers' market on web site and in promotional materials. (a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Farmers' market” means a cooperative or nonprofit enterprise or association that consistently occupies a given site throughout the season or that occupies a given site for any given day or event and that operates principally as a common marketplace for a group of farmers, at least two of whom are selling Connecticut-grown fresh produce, to sell Connecticut-grown farm products in conformance with the applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies and where the farm products sold are produced by the participating farmers with the sole intent and purpose of generating a portion of household income;

(2) “Fresh produce” means fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner;

(3) “Certified farmers' market” means a farmers' market that is authorized by the commissioner to operate;

(4) “Farmer's kiosk” means a structure or area located within a certified farmers' market used by a farm business to conduct sales of Connecticut-grown farm products;

(5) “Connecticut-grown” means produce and other farm products that have a traceable point of origin within Connecticut;

(6) “Farm” has the meaning ascribed to it in subsection (q) of section 1-1;

(7) “Farm products” means any fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, shell eggs, honey or other bee products, maple syrup or maple sugar, flowers, nursery stock and other horticultural commodities, livestock food products, including meat, milk, cheese and other dairy products, food products of aquaculture, as defined in subsection (q) of section 1-1, including fish, oysters, clams, mussels and other molluscan shellfish taken from the waters of the state or tidal wetlands, products from any tree, vine or plant and their flowers, or any of the products listed in this subdivision that have been processed by the participating farmer, including, but not limited to, baked goods made with farm products.

(b) A farmer's kiosk at a certified farmers' market shall be considered an extension of the farmer's business and regulations of Connecticut state agencies relating to the sale of farm products on a farm shall govern the sale of farm products at a farmer's kiosk except that at such farmer's kiosk, no farmer shall falsely label any egg or offer for sale any egg that is adulterated, as defined in section 22-45.

(c) Except as provided in section 22-6s, a farmer offering farm products for sale at a certified farmers' market shall obtain and maintain any license required to sell such products.

(d) A food establishment, as defined in section 19a-36g, may purchase farm products that have been produced and are sold in conformance with the applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies at a farmers' market, provided such establishment requests and obtains an invoice from the farmer or person selling farm products. The farmer or person selling farm products shall provide to the food establishment an invoice that indicates the source and date of purchase of the farm products at the time of the sale.

(e) Section 22-6g or this section shall not supersede the provisions of any state or local health and safety laws, regulations or ordinances.

(f) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall, upon request by any farmers' market, include such farmers' market on any list of farmers' markets that appears on the Department of Agriculture's Internet web site and include such farmers' market in any promotional materials concerning farmers' markets that are published or distributed by the department.

(P.A. 06-52, S. 1; P.A. 07-252, S. 59; P.A. 08-184, S. 9; P.A. 10-103, S. 1; P.A. 11-191, S. 2; P.A. 13-72, S. 2; P.A. 17-93, S. 11; 17-184, S. 4; P.A. 18-48, S. 14; 18-168, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 06-52 effective May 8, 2006; P.A. 07-252 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to include sale of fresh produce to food service establishments within definition of “farmers' market”, designated existing provisions of Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (c)(1) and added Subsec. (c)(2) to require food service establishments to request and obtain invoice from the farmer or person selling fresh produce that indicates source and date of purchase of the fresh produce at time of sale, effective July 12, 2007; P.A. 08-184 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to redefine “farmers' market” by replacing provision re sale to consumers and food service establishments with provision re sale “in conformance with the applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies”, redesignated existing Subsecs. (c)(1) and (c)(2) as new Subsecs. (c) and (d), amended new Subsec. (d) by substituting “farm products” for “fresh produce” and providing that food service establishment may purchase farm products that have been produced and are sold in conformance with applicable state regulations at a farmers' market, and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e), effective June 12, 2008; P.A. 10-103 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by redefining “farmers' market”, effective June 2, 2010; P.A. 11-191 amended Subsec. (c) by adding exception re provisions of Sec. 22-6s, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 13-72 added Subsec. (f) re inclusion of farmers' market on Department of Agriculture's Internet web site and in promotional materials published or distributed by department, effective June 5, 2013; P.A. 17-93 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing “food service establishment” with “food establishment” and replacing “19-13-B42 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies” with “19a-36g”; P.A. 17-184 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re falsely labeled egg and adulterated egg, as defined in Sec. 22-45, effective July 10, 2017; P.A. 18-48 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing “food service establishment” with “food establishment”, effective May 29, 2018; P.A. 18-168 made identical change as P.A. 18-48.

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Sec. 22-6s. Operation of food establishment by a farmer at a certified farmers' market. (a) For purposes of this section: (1) “Certified farmers' market” has the same meaning as provided in section 22-6r, and (2) “food establishment” has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-36g.

(b) Any permit or license to operate a food establishment that is issued by a municipal health department or health district to a farmer for the purpose of such farmer's participation in a certified farmers' market within the jurisdiction of such municipal health department or health district shall be valid for the purpose of operating a food establishment at any certified farmers' market in the state, provided (1) such operation is in accordance with the menu items and food preparation processes approved by such issuing municipal health department or health district, or (2) such operation utilizes menu items or food preparation processes that are substantially similar to the menu items and food preparation processes approved by such issuing municipal health department or health district. Not later than fourteen days prior to commencing the operation of a food establishment in a municipality that is within the jurisdiction of a municipal health department or health district that did not issue a permit or license to such farmer, a notice of intent to commence such operation shall be sent by such farmer to the municipal health department or health district with such jurisdiction. Such notice shall contain a copy of the municipal health department or health district permit or license issued in accordance with this section and a copy of any food service plan developed as part of the application for such permit or license. Any permit or license issued in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be valid for the duration of the calendar year in which such permit or license was issued.

(c) Any local director of health may take any regulatory action such director deems necessary against any farmer who operates a food establishment within the jurisdiction of such health department or district, as applicable, in order to ensure that such farmer is in compliance with the Public Health Code, provided no local director of health shall require any farmer to apply for or purchase a permit or license to operate a food establishment if such farmer holds a valid permit or license issued by another municipal health department or health district and is in compliance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Any farmer who operates a food establishment in a certified farmers' market in accordance with this section and the menu items and food preparation processes approved by the municipal health department or health district that issued such permit or license, or who utilizes menu items or food preparation processes that are substantially similar to the menu items and food preparation processes approved by such issuing municipal health department or health district, shall be exempt from the provisions of any ordinance of any municipality or health district concerning the operation of a food establishment. No municipal health department or health district shall require any farmer who applies for a permit or license to operate a food establishment at a certified farmers' market to submit information regarding such farmer's ability to comply with any ordinance of any municipality or health district concerning the operation of such food establishment.

(P.A. 11-191, S. 1; P.A. 17-93, S. 12.)

History: P.A. 11-191 effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 17-93 replaced “food service establishment” with “food establishment” and amended Subsec. (a) to replace “19a-13-B42 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies” with “19a-36g”.

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Sec. 22-6t. Voucher value. On and after July 1, 2021, any voucher issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture pursuant to section 22-6p or 22-6q shall have a value of not less than twenty dollars.

(P.A. 21-155, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 21-155 effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 22-7. Administrative civil penalties. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may impose civil penalties for any violation of the provisions of this title. Civil penalties established for each violation shall be of such amount as to insure immediate and continued compliance with applicable laws, regulations, orders and permits issued by the commissioner pursuant to any provision of this title. Such penalties shall be a sum determined by the commissioner which shall not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars for each violation and two hundred fifty dollars for each day during which such violation continues after receipt of a final order of the commissioner assessing the civil penalty for such violation.

(b) In addition, in setting a civil penalty in a particular case, the commissioner shall consider all factors which he deems relevant, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The amount of assessment necessary to insure immediate and continued compliance;

(2) The conduct of the person incurring the civil penalty in taking all feasible steps or procedures necessary or appropriate to comply or to correct the violation;

(3) Any prior violations by such person of any statute, regulation, order or permit administered, adopted or issued by the commissioner;

(4) The economic and financial conditions of such person;

(5) The character and degree of injury to, or interference with, public health, safety or welfare which is caused or threatened to be caused by such violation;

(6) The character and degree of injury to, or interference with, reasonable use of property which is caused or threatened to be caused by such violation;

(7) The character and degree of impact of the violation on the health, safety or welfare of any domestic animal; and

(8) The character and degree of impact of the violation on any agricultural resource especially any lands preserved by the state.

(c) If the commissioner has reason to believe that a violation has occurred for which a civil penalty is authorized by this section, he may send to the violator, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or personal service, a notice which shall include:

(1) A reference to the section of the statute, regulation, order or permit involved;

(2) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted or charged;

(3) A statement of the amount of the civil penalty or penalties to be imposed upon finding after hearing that a violation has occurred or upon a default; and

(4) A statement of the party's right to a hearing.

(d) The person to whom the notice is addressed shall have twenty days from the date of receipt of the notice in which to deliver to the commissioner written application for a hearing. If a hearing is requested, the commissioner may issue a final order after a hearing and, upon a finding that a violation has occurred, may assess a civil penalty under this section which shall be no greater than the penalty stated in the notice. If a hearing is not requested, or if a request for a hearing is later withdrawn, then the notice shall become a final order of the commissioner on the first day after the expiration of such twenty-day period or on the first day after the withdrawal of such request for hearing, whichever is later, and the matters asserted or charged in the notice shall be deemed admitted unless modified by a consent order, which shall become the final order. Any such penalty may be mitigated by the commissioner upon such terms and conditions as he deems proper or necessary upon consideration of the factors set forth in subsection (b) of this section.

(e) All hearings under this section shall be conducted pursuant to sections 4-176e to 4-184, inclusive. A final order of the commissioner assessing a civil penalty shall be subject to appeal as set forth in section 4-183 except that any such appeal shall be taken to the superior court for the judicial district of New Britain and shall have precedence in the order of trial as provided in section 52-191. Such final order shall not be subject to appeal under any other provision of the general statutes. No challenge to any final order of the commissioner assessing a civil penalty shall be allowed as to any issue which could have been raised by an appeal of an earlier order, notice, permit, denial or other final decision by the commissioner. Any civil penalty authorized by this section shall become due and payable (1) at the time of receipt of a final order in the case of a civil penalty assessed in such order after a hearing, (2) on the first day after the expiration of the period in which a hearing may be requested if no hearing is requested, or (3) on the first day after any withdrawal of a request for hearing.

(f) Any person acting within the terms and conditions of a final order or permit issued by the commissioner shall not be subject to a civil penalty under this section for any actions which the commissioner finds were within the terms and conditions of such final order or permit. Any person claiming to have acted within the terms and conditions of a final order or permit shall have the burdens of production and persuasion on his defense in any administrative hearing on a civil penalty held by the commissioner.

(1953, S. 1697d; P.A. 77-614, S. 313, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 92-255, S. 5, 8; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; 93-320, S. 5; P.A. 95-141, S. 1; 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 99-215, S. 24, 29; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 deleted provisions re hearings on regulations, deposit of copies with board of agriculture and board's privilege to revoke or suspend regulations which it finds do not conform with its policies, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 92-255 added new Subsecs. (b) to (j), inclusive, re administrative civil penalties for violations of various statutes administered by the commissioner of agriculture (Revisor's note: P.A. 88-230 and 90-98 authorized substitution of “judicial district of Hartford” for “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” in general statutes and in public or special acts of 1992, effective September 1, 1993); P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 93-320 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize a civil penalty for violation of Sec. 22-203aa; P.A. 95-141 replaced former provisions re imposition of administrative civil penalties by the commissioner, factors to be considered in setting such penalties, notice to violators, procedures for hearings and appeals and exception for persons acting within the terms of an order or permit with new provisions; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-215 replaced “judicial district of Hartford” with “judicial district of New Britain” in Subsec. (e), effective June 29, 1999; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Secs. 22-7a to 22-7o. Transferred to Chapter 439, Secs. 22a-21 to 22a-35, inclusive.

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Sec. 22-7p. Bonds. (a) Any person, firm or corporation violating a permit or order issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture pursuant to any provision of chapter 432 to 434, inclusive, 436, 437 or 438a shall post a bond or other security, satisfactory to the commissioner, payable to the state. The commissioner shall determine the amount of the bond or other security, provided such amount shall not exceed ten thousand dollars. In determining the amount, the commissioner shall consider the extent of the violation, the number of repeated violations, the potential for the spread of disease and the threat to the public health and environment. Such bond, with sufficient surety or other security, shall be filed with the commissioner in such form as he prescribes and conditioned upon compliance with the terms or conditions of such permit or order.

(b) (1) Whenever the commissioner finds as the result of an investigation that the person, firm or corporation posting the bond or other security continues to violate the terms or conditions of the permit or order, the commissioner may send a notice to such person, firm or corporation by certified mail, return receipt requested. Any such notice shall include: (A) A reference to the title, chapter or section of the general statutes, or to the regulation, rule or order alleged to have been violated; (B) a short and plain statement of the matter asserted or charged; (C) the amount of the bond or other security that may be forfeited for such violation; and (D) the time and place for the hearing. Such hearing shall be fixed for a date not earlier than fourteen days after the notice is mailed.

(2) The commissioner shall hold a hearing upon the charges made unless such person, firm or corporation fails to appear at the hearing. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. After the hearing if the commissioner finds the person, firm or corporation has continued to violate the terms or conditions of the permit or order after posting a bond or other security pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, he shall order that such bond or other security be forfeited. If such person, firm or corporation fails to appear at the hearing, the commissioner shall order that such bond or other security be forfeited. The commissioner shall send a copy of any order issued pursuant to this subsection by certified mail, return receipt requested to any person, firm or corporation named in such order.

(3) Any person, firm or corporation aggrieved by an order of the commissioner issued pursuant to this subsection may appeal therefrom in accordance with the provisions of section 4-183.

(c) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 87-504, S. 4, 5; 87-589, S. 44, 87; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 87-589 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to specify that notice may contain reference to sections of the general statutes; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-7q. Filing of bond in administrative appeal. In any appeal from a final decision made by the Commissioner of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this title the court shall require the filing of a surety bond or other security with the court prior to granting a stay of such decision. In setting the amount of any such bond or other security, the court shall consider the cost of compliance with such decision and the potential harm to the public from the actions of the aggrieved party pending the final disposition of the appeal.

(P.A. 95-141, S. 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-8. Duties of commissioner re avian ecology. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall investigate the distribution and food habits of the birds of the state; shall determine, so far as possible, the relation of birds to outbreaks of insects and animals; shall experiment with a view to discovering the best methods of protecting fruits and crops from birds and shall serve the people of the state in matters relating to the economic status of birds and to legislation concerning them.

(1949 Rev., S. 3060; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 314, 610; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

See Sec. 10a-111 re appointment of State Ornithologist.

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Sec. 22-9. Supervision of institutional farms. The commissioner shall exercise such authority and control over the policies and operations, including financial operations, of the various state-owned institutional farms, except those of The University of Connecticut and the state agricultural experiment stations, as he deems necessary in the interest of efficient and economical operation of the same and in the best interests of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 3055.)

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Sec. 22-10. Reports of moneys expended. Any person who receives money from the state for the purpose of promoting the increase of agricultural products or of domestic animals and products thereof shall, on or before the fifteenth day of November of each year in which such money was received, file with the Comptroller a statement of the manner in which such moneys were expended and the result of such expenditure, including, if in competitions, the number of competitors, the lines in which the competitions were made, the amount of soil cultivated and the returns therefrom, with such other details as may be required by the Comptroller. Any person receiving money from any town for any of the purposes specified in this section shall make a similar return to the treasurer of the town from which such money was received and shall file a copy of each such return with the Comptroller. The provisions of this section concerning returns shall apply to all sums expended for extension work of The University of Connecticut for the purposes herein specified.

(1949 Rev., S. 3057; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 20.)

History: 1961 act deleted references to counties.

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Sec. 22-11. Promotion of agricultural interests. Any corporation or association organized in any county to provide instruction and practical demonstration in agriculture and home economics, to promote advanced business methods among farmers or to assist in any manner in the development of agriculture and the improvement of country life, organized and conducted in a manner to receive any portion of the money appropriated under the provisions of an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled “The Smith-Lever Act”, shall annually receive towards the maintenance of a county agricultural agent, towards the maintenance of a county club agent and towards the maintenance of a county home demonstration agent such amounts as are appropriated for said purposes by each session of the General Assembly. Such payments shall be made upon certification of the trustees of The University of Connecticut of the amount to which each county is entitled under the provisions of this section and upon further certification that such organization is entitled to and has received a portion of the money allotted to the state under the provisions of said act, the amount thereof, the date when such money was paid to such organization and the amount which such organization has received from sources other than under the provisions of said act during the year ended September thirtieth next preceding, provided such sums received for the purpose of defraying the expenses of such organization from sources other than under the provisions of said act and of this section during the period stipulated shall be at least one thousand dollars from within each county, and provided the trustees of said university shall certify only one such organization in each county. There shall annually be appropriated to The University of Connecticut the sum of sixteen thousand dollars which shall be used by The University of Connecticut for a grant of two thousand dollars to each such organization in each county. The University of Connecticut may annually, in addition thereto, make a grant of the amount in excess of two thousand dollars and not exceeding ten thousand dollars which such organization has received from sources other than under the provisions of said act and of this section during the year ended September thirtieth next preceding and a sum equal to that received as an additional county appropriation during the year ended September 30, 1960. The University of Connecticut shall periodically audit the expenditures of funds paid pursuant to this section to such organizations in each county. Any municipality, at a meeting held for such purpose, may appropriate such sum as such meeting determines for the purposes of such organization, to be expended within such municipality. The buildings and properties owned on September 30, 1960, by Hartford, Middlesex and Windham Counties, including equipment and furnishings, and used on said date by the Agricultural Extension Services of The University of Connecticut, shall be transferred to The University of Connecticut to be used by the Cooperative Extension Service.

(1949 Rev., 3058; S. 1959, P.A. 152, S. 52; 1961, P.A. 502; P.A. 87-493, S. 1, 4; P.A. 88-167, S. 1, 2; P.A. 89-216, S. 1, 2.)

History: 1959 act revised manner in which county agents funded, where formerly county commissioners drew on county treasurer for funds, state treasurer is to pay funds to treasurer of organization providing agriculture and home economics aid, etc., allowed payment of additional sum not to exceed that received as an additional county appropriation, deleted provision setting forth process by which county makes additional appropriation and added provisions re transfer of county-owned property to University of Connecticut for use by extension service and payments for support of extension service; 1961 act reworded provision re additional payments, replacing sum “not to exceed” that received as an additional county appropriation with sum “equal to” that received and replacing 1959 with 1960 as year determining amount to be paid and restored procedure by which additional appropriation made but made procedure applicable to municipalities rather than counties; P.A. 87-493 provided that payments of $2,000 by the state treasurer are mandatory and made annually, increased the maximum voluntary matching grant from $6,000 to $10,000 and made a technical change; P.A. 88-167 provided that the sums paid to organizations in each county be grants from The University of Connecticut rather than payments by the state treasurer and that the university periodically audit the expenditures of the grants; P.A. 89-216 deleted provision requiring annual payment of $24,000 by state treasurer to The University of Connecticut to operate, maintain, repair and equip buildings and properties used by cooperative extension service.

Cited. 148 C. 608. Vote of county commissioners to appropriate all available surplus funds of New London county as of Sept. 30, 1960, for county agricultural extension service, valid. Id., 611. Payments for promotion of agricultural interests are for public purpose. Id., 612.

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Sec. 22-11a. “Integrated pest management” defined. As used in sections 22-11b and 22-84a, “integrated pest management” means a comprehensive strategy of pest control whose major objective is to maintain high crop quality with a minimum use of pesticides and includes, but is not limited to, the following methods: Pest trapping, crop scouting, pest-resistant crop varieties, increased use of biological control, cultural controls, and judicious use of certain pesticides.

(P.A. 88-247, S. 6, 12; P.A. 97-242, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 97-242 deleted references to Secs. 22a-54(c) and 22a-66l which made definition applicable to pesticide regulation laws.

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Sec. 22-11b. Duties of The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service re integrated pest management. (a) Within available appropriations, The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service shall develop and implement (1) nonagricultural integrated pest management programs which shall include, but not be limited to, programs for trees, shrubs, turf and structural applications of integrated pest management techniques and (2) agricultural integrated pest management programs, including, but not limited to, programs for vegetables, fruit, forage crops and nurseries. Such programs may incorporate research developed by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station pursuant to section 22-84a.

(b) Within available appropriations, The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service, upon request of any state department, agency or institution, shall assist such department, agency or institution in determining the feasibility of integrated pest management and may provide technical assistance to such department, agency or institution in implementing integrated pest management.

(c) The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service shall, on or before February first, annually, submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment on implementation of integrated pest management programs.

(P.A. 88-247, S. 9, 12.)

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Sec. 22-11c. Aquaculture development: Definitions. (a) As used in sections 22-11d to 22-11f, inclusive, “aquaculture” means the controlled rearing, cultivation and harvest of aquatic plants and animals in land-based and marine-based culture systems, tanks, containers, impoundments, floating or submerged nets, longlines or pens and ponds.

(b) For purposes of this chapter “agriculture”, as defined in subsection (q) of section 1-1, shall include aquaculture.

(P.A. 94-227, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-93, S. 3; P.A. 22-54, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 99-93 amended Subsec. (a) to add marine-based culture systems and floating or submerged nets or pens to the list of defined aquaculture media; P.A. 22-54 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to longlines.

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Sec. 22-11d. Aquaculture development: Lead agency. The Department of Agriculture shall be the lead agency for aquaculture development in this state. The department shall: (1) Coordinate the activities of other state agencies with regard to aquaculture; (2) act as a liaison between local and federal officials on matters related to aquaculture; (3) serve as a liaison between government and the aquaculture industry.

(P.A. 94-227, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Department of Agriculture with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-11e. Interagency Aquaculture Coordinating Committee. Section 22-11e is repealed, effective May 23, 2022.

(P.A. 94-227, S. 4; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 13-5, S. 28; P.A. 22-54, S. 7.)

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Sec. 22-11f. Licensing of aquaculture operation. Regulations. Control of importation and cultivation of nonnative plants or animals. The Department of Agriculture, after consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the licensing of aquaculture facilities and operations other than any such facilities or operations of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Such regulations shall establish a program to control the importation, cultivation or raising of aquatic plants or animals which are not native to this state. Such regulations shall ensure that any such importation or cultivation shall not adversely contaminate or impact native aquatic plants or animals or their natural habitats and shall further provide that aquaculture operations shall not adversely contaminate or impact wild stocks of aquatic plants and animals or their natural habitats and shall include measures to identify products of aquaculture operations. Aquatic plants and animals held at inland aquaculture facilities shall be exempt from laws and regulations pertaining to wild stocks, including, but not limited to, chapter 495.

(P.A. 94-227, S. 5; P.A. 97-32, S. 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 97-32 added provisions re control of importation and cultivation of nonnative plants or animals; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Department of Agriculture with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Department of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011.

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Sec. 22-11g. Releases from aquaculture systems. No person may release water, plants, animals or other material from any land-based or marine-based aquaculture systems, including, but not limited to, tanks, containers, impoundments or ponds, unless such person first provides notice to the Commissioner of Agriculture, on a form prescribed by said commissioner, regarding the nature of the substances to be released. The commissioner may issue an order to discontinue or abate such release if the commissioner finds that such release poses a significant threat to the aquacultural resources of the state. This section shall not apply to any aquacultural systems operated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(P.A. 94-227, S. 6; P.A. 99-93, S. 4; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 99-93 provided for coverage under this section for marine-based aquaculture systems; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Department of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011.

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Sec. 22-11h. Permits for aquaculture operations. Exemptions from environmental protection programs. General permits. (a) The Department of Agriculture shall have exclusive authority for granting or denying aquaculture permits, except for matters specifically concerning water discharges from such aquaculture operations into the waters of the state, which shall require approval by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as provided in section 22a-430. The department shall not consider discharges from aquaculture operations to be industrial discharges and shall treat and administer applications and permits from aquaculture operations as separate and distinct from permits for industrial discharges for the purposes of section 22a-430. Within ninety days of receipt of a sufficient application for a discharge permit for an aquaculture operation under section 22a-430 the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, or a designee, shall meet with the applicant and the Commissioner of Agriculture, or a designee, to discuss such application.

(b) Aquaculture operations that withdraw less than two hundred fifty thousand gallons per day of water, where such water is not approved for human consumption, and where water so withdrawn is returned to the same source from which it was withdrawn, shall be deemed not to be a diversion as defined in section 22a-367 and shall be exempt from the water diversion permitting requirements of chapter 446i.

(c) Individual structures used for aquaculture as defined in section 22-11c, including, but not limited to, racks, cages or bags, as well as buoys marking such structures, which received a permit under federal Army Corps of Engineers regulations and do not interfere with navigation in designated or customary boating or shipping lanes and channels, shall be placed in leased or designated shellfish areas and shall be exempt from the requirements of sections 22a-359 to 22a-363f, inclusive.

(d) Transport of live aquaculture products from any licensed and approved aquaculture operation or hatchery within the state, and stocking of such products in the waters of the state, where such aquaculture products are species which are indigenous to the state and are approved for stocking by the Department of Agriculture, shall be exempt from the requirements of section 26-57, except that any person engaging in such transport and stocking shall obtain a renewable annual transport permit which shall govern all shipments for a calendar year designated under such permit. Such permit shall be developed and administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Aquaculture hatcheries maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection.

(e) All shellfish aquaculture operations that utilize state-approved microalgal cultured feeds or which do not use any processed cultured feed, and all crustacean and molluscan bivalve growing, hatchery and holding facilities, including, but not limited to, lobster pounds, which are not exempt from requirements to obtain a discharge permit under section 22a-430 or corresponding federal regulations, may operate under a general permit developed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and shall not be required to obtain individual discharge permits under section 22a-430. On or before September 15, 1999, said Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall adopt and implement such general permit.

(P.A. 99-93, S. 1, 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 22-143, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 99-93 effective June 3, 1999; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” and “Department of Environmental Protection” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” and “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, respectively, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 22-143 amended Subsec. (c) to change reference from buoys marking structures which do not otherwise require a permit under federal Army Corps of Engineers regulations to buoys that received a permit under such regulations, effective May 31, 2022.

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Sec. 22-11i. Licensing of aquaculture producers. Regulations. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Aquaculture producer” means any person who engages in the controlled rearing, cultivation and harvesting of aquatic animals or plants in land-based or marine-based culture systems, tanks, containers, impoundments, floating or submerged nets or pens and ponds.

(2) “Aquatic animals” means fresh or saltwater finfish, crustaceans and other forms of aquatic life, including jellyfish, sea cucumber and sea urchin, and the roe of such animals, and all mollusks, which are intended for human consumption. “Aquatic animals” does not include birds or mammals.

(3) “Aquatic plants” means fresh or saltwater algae and plants, including, but not limited to, aquatic macrophyte, microalgae and macroalgae (seaweed) species intended for sea vegetable, biofuel, animal feed, fertilizer, medical, industrial or other commercial applications.

(4) “Seaweed” means any species of marine macroalgae approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture for cultivation in the waters of Long Island Sound.

(5) “Seaweed producer” means any person who engages in the controlled rearing, cultivation and harvesting of seaweed.

(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall license and inspect aquaculture producers. The commissioner may prescribe the length of term, fee and application for such license. To receive an aquaculture producer license from the commissioner, each aquaculture producer shall: (1) Possess a registration with the United States Food and Drug Administration as a food facility, (2) meet all processing standards and inspection procedures for seafood processing facilities, including, but not limited to, compliance with the provisions of 21 CFR 123 - Fish and Fishery Products, Subpart A and the United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Code, as from time to time amended, and (3) pass an inspection conducted by the Department of Consumer Protection prior to the issuance of such license by the commissioner. The provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection shall not apply to any seaweed or aquatic plant producer who possesses a valid license issued by the commissioner.

(c) Prior to receiving a license from the commissioner to be a seaweed or aquatic plant producer, an applicant shall receive species approval from the commissioner.

(d) The Commissioner of Agriculture, in accordance with chapter 54 and in consultation with the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 12-176, S. 1; P.A. 13-238, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 13-238 amended Subsec. (a) by redefining “aquaculture producer” to add reference to aquatic plants in Subdiv. (1) and by adding Subdivs. (3), (4) and (5) defining “aquatic plants”, “seaweed” and “seaweed producer”, respectively, amended Subsec. (b) by adding exemption for seaweed or aquatic plant producer who possesses a valid license from commissioner, added new Subsec. (c) re species approval from commissioner prior to receiving a license, and redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d), effective July 2, 2013.

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Sec. 22-11j. Planting and cultivating seaweed. License. Requirements. Renewal. Prohibition on interference with right of fishing or shellfishing. Interference with seaweed license. Penalties. Regulations. (a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may issue a nontransferable license, in the name of the state, under such policies as the commissioner may prescribe and for a period of not greater than five years and an annual license fee of twenty-five dollars per acre, for the planting and cultivating of seaweed in any area within Connecticut's coastal waters. Any person who has a shellfishing ground lease authorized pursuant to section 26-194 or 26-257a shall not be required to remit such annual license fee. Any person licensed pursuant to this section may buy, possess, ship, transport or sell seaweed that meets the applicable requirements of sections 22-11h and 22-11i and any regulation adopted pursuant to said sections 22-11h and 22-11i. For the purpose of this section, “seaweed” means seaweed, as defined in section 22-11i.

(b) The General Joint Aquaculture Programmatic Permit Process Review of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Aquaculture, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Office of Long Island Sound Programs, and the Army Corps of Engineers may subject any such licensee to the requirements of sections 22a-359 to 22a-363f, inclusive.

(c) Any such license or license renewal, issued pursuant to this section, shall require the licensee to make a good faith effort to cultivate and harvest seaweed from the licensed area. Any licensee who fulfills all of his or her obligations pursuant to said license, upon the expiration of said license, shall be given preference by the commissioner in the relicensing of such ground for a like term and purpose as that granted in the original license. The commissioner shall not renew the license of any licensee who fails to remit the license fee required pursuant to this section. No application for the renewal of a license pursuant to this section shall be granted without notice or advertisement of the pendency thereof by the commissioner. No renewal of a license for grounds previously leased pursuant to this section shall be granted when the commissioner, for cause, determines to cease licensure of such grounds for seaweed culture.

(d) In no instance shall the Commissioner of Agriculture grant a license to cultivate seaweed pursuant to this section such that the grant of such license interferes with an established right of fishing or an established right of shellfishing. Any license issued pursuant to this section that interferes with an established right of fishing or an established right of shellfishing shall be void.

(e) Any person who interferes with, annoys or molests another in the enjoyment of any license issued pursuant to this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both.

(f) The Commissioner of Agriculture may adopt regulations, pursuant to chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 13-238, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 13-238 effective July 2, 2013.

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Sec. 22-11k. Ninety-day aquaculture permit application final determinations. The Department of Agriculture shall review and make a final determination on each aquaculture permit application not later than ninety days after receipt of such application. Following such ninety-day period, if a final determination on such application is not made by said agency, such application shall be deemed approved.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 17-2, S. 562.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 17-2 effective October 31, 2017.

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Sec. 22-12. Appropriations for promotion of agricultural interests. The annual appropriation for the promotion of agricultural interests shall be ten thousand dollars per county. These funds shall be distributed by the Agricultural Extension Service of The University of Connecticut.

(1949 Rev., S. 3059.)

See Sec. 2-33 re specific and recurring appropriations.

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Sec. 22-12a. Use of term “Connecticut State Fair”. No person, firm, corporation or association, other than an agency or instrumentality of the state, shall use the words “Connecticut State Fair” in relation to any fair, exhibition or entertainment without the written consent of the Commissioner of Agriculture.

(1959, P.A. 343, S. 1; 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: Later 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture and natural resources; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-12b. (Formerly Sec. 26-41). Licensing of fur breeders. Disease control. The breeding and raising in captivity of foxes, mink, chinchilla, marten, fisher, nutria and muskrat, and the marketing of such animals, shall be classified as farming and as an agricultural pursuit and all such animals so raised in captivity, or lawfully acquired, shall be classified as domestic animals. No person shall possess two or more such animals of opposite sex without first obtaining a fur breeder's license from the Department of Agriculture. The fee for such license shall be sixteen dollars. Such license shall be annual and nontransferable and shall expire on the thirty-first day of December after its issuance. All applications for such licenses shall be upon blanks prepared and furnished by the Commissioner of Agriculture. All license fees received by the commissioner under the provisions of this section shall be transmitted to the State Treasurer and by him be applied to the General Fund. All licensees shall keep a record of all such animals exchanged or transported by such licensees, whether the same are alive or dead, and shall report to the commissioner at the expiration of the license period, on forms furnished by the commissioner, the number of animals possessed at the beginning of the license period, those disposed of during such period and the number of animals on hand at the close of the period. For purposes of disease control, the commissioner at his discretion may require special import or export permits for any specified period. Said commissioner, in the interest of protecting game or domestic animals from disease, may confiscate animals possessed by licensees referred to herein, and may quarantine the same, and may destroy such animals when, in his opinion, such action is advisable. Any license granted under the provisions of this section may be revoked by the commissioner for a violation of any regulation made by him or a violation of any provision of this section. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars.

(1949, S. 2468d; 1957, P.A. 289, S. 1; 1959, P.A. 398, S. 6; 1961, P.A. 59; 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 315, 610; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 43, 117; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 291; P.A. 12-80, S. 15.)

History: 1961 acts replaced reference to board of agriculture and its director with references to livestock division of department of agriculture and natural resources and to commissioner of agriculture and natural resources, made import or export permits optional rather than mandatory, stated that breeding and raising fur animals is considered farming and that such animals are to be considered as domestic animals without exception rather than “for the purposes of this section”; Sec. 26-41 transferred to Sec. 22-12b in 1969; 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 deleted reference to livestock division, effective January 1, 1979; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6 increased license fee from $4 to $8; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3 increased license fee from $8 to $16 and made a technical change; P.A. 12-80 replaced penalty of a fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both with a fine of not more than $250.

See Sec. 26-72 re regulation of trapping of fur-bearing animals.

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Sec. 22-13. Employment of minors in agriculture. No minor under fourteen years of age shall be employed or be permitted to work in agriculture. No minor fourteen or fifteen years of age shall be employed in any agricultural occupation for more than six days a week, or for more than eight hours in any day or forty-eight hours in any week. If transportation is furnished to the farm or other place of employment, for any minor covered in sections 22-13 to 22-17, inclusive, return transportation to his home or pickup point shall be available at the close of each work day. Not less than thirty minutes shall be allowed for the meal period.

(1949 Rev., S. 7374.)

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Sec. 22-14. Birth certificate or agricultural work permit required. No minor under sixteen years of age shall be employed or permitted to work, when school is not in session, in any agricultural occupation unless the employer of such minor has received a birth certificate, an agricultural work permit issued by the Department of Education or other legal proof of age. Each employer shall retain in his possession, and make available to the commissioner or his agent for inspection, each such legal proof of age, until the termination of the employment of the minor therein named. At the termination of employment, the employer shall return to each minor upon request such legal proof of age.

(1949 Rev., S. 7375; P.A. 03-278, S. 80.)

History: P.A. 03-278 made technical changes, effective July 9, 2003.

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Sec. 22-15. Administration. Regulations. Inspection. The Labor Commissioner shall have charge of the administration of sections 22-13 to 22-17, inclusive. The commissioner shall establish regulations and standards for the administration of said sections necessary to the health and welfare of youths employed in agriculture. The commissioner may make such inspections as the commissioner deems necessary or desirable, under said sections, in order to ascertain that the provisions are observed.

(1949 Rev., S. 7376; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 477, 610; P.A. 06-196, S. 154.)

History: 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act dropped “conservation” from commissioner's title; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 transferred administration of Secs. 22-13 to 22-17 from agriculture commissioner to labor commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 06-196 made technical changes, effective June 7, 2006.

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Sec. 22-16. Employer of more than fifteen affected. The provisions of sections 22-13 to 22-17, inclusive, shall apply during any calendar week to any employer whose average number of employees during that week is more than fifteen. Said provisions shall not apply to work performed for an employer engaged in agriculture by members of his immediate family.

(1949 Rev., S. 7377.)

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Sec. 22-17. Penalty. Any person, including a parent or guardian, whether acting for himself or as agent for another, who employs or authorizes or permits to be employed any minor in violation of sections 22-13 to 22-16, inclusive, shall be fined, for a first violation, not more than fifty dollars and, for each subsequent violation, not more than one hundred dollars.

(1949 Rev., S. 7378.)

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Sec. 22-17a. Sanitary regulations concerning agricultural workers. The Labor Commissioner may make regulations and establish standards as to living quarters furnished by a farm operator to agricultural workers and to migratory farm laborers to insure their adequacy as to sanitation and reasonable comfort and convenience. Said commissioner may make such inspections as he deems necessary to insure the observance of such regulations and standards.

(1959, P.A. 628, S. 1; 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 478, 610.)

History: Later 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act dropped “conservation” from commissioner's title; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 transferred regulatory power from commissioner of agriculture to labor commissioner, effective January 1, 1979.

See Sec. 19a-36 re Public Health Code.

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Secs. 22-18 to 22-26. Farmers' loans, generally. Obsolete.

(September, 1957, P.A. 15, S. 1–9; March, 1958, P.A. 19, S. 1, 2; 1961, P.A. 23.)

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Sec. 22-26a. Equine Advisory Council. Members. Section 22-26a is repealed.

(P.A. 73-547, S. 1–3; P.A. 77-614, S. 609, 610.)

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Sec. 22-26b. Agreement with landowner enrolled in federal Dairy Termination Program. Section 22-26b is repealed, effective October 1, 1997.

(P.A. 86-356, S. 1, 3; P.A. 97-234, S. 11.)

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Sec. 22-26c. Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council. (a) There shall be a Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council which shall be within the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes only. Said council shall consist of thirteen members as follows: The Commissioners of Agriculture and Economic and Community Development, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of The University of Connecticut and the directors of the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, or their respective designees; and eight members engaged in the wine production industry in this state, appointed as follows: Two members appointed by the Governor, and one member each appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

(b) The term of one of the initial appointments from the wine production industry shall expire on the last day of July, 1988, the terms of two shall expire on the last day of July, 1989, and the terms of two shall expire on the last day of July, 1990. On or before the first day of July, 1987, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall appoint members to succeed the members whose term expires. Said members shall serve a term of four years. The commissioner shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term vacated.

(c) Members of the council shall not be compensated for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. No member shall serve for more than four consecutive terms. A majority of the council shall constitute a quorum.

(d) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall be the chairman of the council.

(e) The council may receive funds from any source and expend such funds as may be necessary to carry out its duties. The council may seek funding and provide financial support to organizations for activities concerned with wine production and related products.

(P.A. 87-549, S. 1, 3; P.A. 88-364, S. 87, 123; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 09-42, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 88-364 amended Subsec. (a) by making a technical change; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 09-42 changed number of members from 10 to 13 and amended appointment process in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2009.

See Sec. 4-38f for definition of “administrative purposes only”.

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Sec. 22-26d. Purposes. The purposes of the council are to promote state wines and related products by (1) engaging in activities to maintain current markets and create new and foreign markets; (2) advising groups on farm wine development, including, but not limited to, the Department of Agriculture, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of The University of Connecticut, The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service, the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; (3) educating and informing the public, governmental agencies and the farm wine industry on the use and value of state wine and related products and (4) recommending research projects on wine, wine grape culture and utilization of wine and related products and disseminating the results of such research to the academic community, wine industry and the public.

(P.A. 87-549, S. 2, 3; P.A. 88-364, S. 88, 123; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 88-364 made a technical change; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Department of Agriculture with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-26e. Governor's Council for Agricultural Development and Innovation. (a) There is hereby established a Governor's Council for Agricultural Development and Innovation within the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes only, consisting of the following members: (1) The Commissioner of Agriculture, who shall serve as the chairperson of the council, (2) the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at The University of Connecticut, or the dean's designee, who shall serve as co-vice-chairperson, (3) the executive director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, or the executive director's designee, (4) six members appointed by the Governor, who shall each be actively engaged in agricultural production or aquaculture production, provided not less than one of whom shall be socially disadvantaged, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, and not less than one of whom shall be engaged in aquaculture production, (5) one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be engaged in urban agriculture production, (6) one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, who shall be engaged in agricultural marketing, (7) one member appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be a new and beginning farmer, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, (8) one member appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, who shall be from a trade association, (9) one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be from the green industry, (10) one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, who shall be actively engaged in agricultural education, and (11) the director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, or the director's designee, who shall serve as the co-vice-chairperson. Each member appointed pursuant to subdivisions (4) to (10), inclusive, of this subsection shall serve for a term of three years from the date of such member's appointment.

(b) The council shall make recommendations to the Department of Agriculture on ways to increase agriculture in the state by developing innovative market opportunities including, but not limited to, urban agriculture, integration and adoption of new technologies, controlled environment agriculture and diversification of products and opportunities. The council shall also make recommendations concerning the development, diversification and promotion of agriculture in this state and shall provide for an interchange of ideas from the various commodity groups and organizations represented.

(c) The council shall meet not less than once per calendar quarter and (1) as often as deemed necessary by the chairperson, or (2) upon a call for such a meeting by a quorum of the membership of the council. A majority of the members on the council shall constitute a quorum. Any vacancy in the membership of the council shall be filled by the applicable appointing authority. The members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement for expenses. Any member absent from more than two meetings in a calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned.

(P.A. 91-307, S. 2, 4; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 11-189, S. 1; P.A. 22-54, S. 2.)

History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 11-189 replaced former Subsecs. (a) to (c) with new Subsec. (a) re establishment of the council and its membership, new Subsec. (b) re duty of the council to make recommendations and new Subsec. (c) re meetings of the council, vacancies, compensation of members and absenteeism by members; P.A. 22-54 amended Subsec. (a) to change name of council to the Governor's Council for Agricultural Development and Innovation and place the council in the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes, amended Subsec. (a)(2) to designate the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at The University of Connecticut as the co-vice-chairperson, Subsec. (a)(3) to change reference from the chairperson of the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board to the executive director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, Subsec. (a)(4) to add reference to aquaculture production and add provision not less than 1 member be socially disadvantaged and not less than 1 member be engaged in aquaculture production, Subsec. (a)(5) to change reference from agricultural processing to urban agriculture production, Subsec. (a)(7) to change reference from being engaged in agricultural sales to being a new farmer and added Subdiv. (11) re director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station shall serve as the co-vice-chairperson and add provision re 3-year terms for appointed members, amended Subsec. (b) to repeal reference to increasing the percentage of consumer dollars spent on Connecticut grown fresh produce and farm products and add provision re developing innovative market opportunities and amended Subsec. (c) to add Subdiv. (1) re meeting as often as necessary as determined by the chairperson and Subdiv. (2) re meeting upon a call for a meeting by a quorum of council membership and changing provision from any vacancy being filled by the Governor to any vacancy being filled by the appointing authority.

See Sec. 4-38f for definition of “administrative purposes only”.

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Sec. 22-26f. State Veterinarian. (a) There shall be a State Veterinarian who shall be an employee of the Department of Agriculture and shall serve as the chief livestock health official for the state.

(b) The State Veterinarian shall possess and retain during employment a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state. The State Veterinarian shall possess and retain federal accreditation in this state through the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and shall have not less than three years experience in large animal practice.

(c) The State Veterinarian shall (1) act as the official state epidemiologist for animal and poultry diseases, (2) coordinate state and federal governmental agencies and livestock and poultry producers to control diseases, and (3) administer and guide the development and management of disease control and eradication programs performed by the department. The State Veterinarian shall act as liaison with other units in the department, other state agencies and other officials regarding policies concerning disease control and cruelty to animals and shall supervise the quarantine and disposal of animals and poultry condemned because of disease.

(d) The State Veterinarian may issue orders to prevent the spread of contagious and infectious diseases among animals and poultry and may protect the public from such diseases as may be transmissible to human beings, either directly or through the products of such animals.

(e) The State Veterinarian shall annually issue a list of reportable animal and avian diseases and reportable laboratory findings and amend such list as the State Veterinarian deems necessary. The State Veterinarian shall distribute such list as well as any necessary forms and instructions for use in the reporting of such diseases to each veterinarian licensed in this state and to each diagnostic laboratory that conducts tests on animals or birds in this state.

(P.A. 93-205; P.A. 01-12; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 08-13, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 01-12 made technical changes for the purpose of gender neutrality in Subsecs. (b) and (c) and added Subsec. (e) re annual list of reportable animal and avian diseases; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Department of Agriculture with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 08-13 amended Subsec. (b) to change State Veterinarian large animal practice experience requirement from 7 to 3 years, effective April 29, 2008.

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Sec. 22-26g. Noise-making devices used in agriculture to repel wildlife. Permits. Operation. Municipal resolution re undue hardship. Best practical use procedure. Violation. Warning. Revocation. Appeal. Fine. (a) No person may use any noise-making device to scare or repel wildlife in order to prevent the damage and destruction of agricultural crops unless such person obtains a permit for each such device from the Commissioner of Agriculture. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any provision of a municipal ordinance, which ordinance is adopted after June 21, 1967, a person engaged in agriculture may make written application to the commissioner for such a permit on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, may make an on-site inspection prior to making a final determination regarding an application for such permit. Prior to the issuance of such permit, the applicant shall provide evidence of the need for protection of the applicant's crops, a description of other methods employed to prevent crop damage and an estimate of the potential loss, as a percentage of the crop, attributed to wildlife damage. The term of the permit shall be for the period for which protection of the crops specified in the application is necessary.

(b) The application shall state (1) the type of noise-making device to be used, (2) the location of the farm where such device will be used, (3) the locations on the farm where such device will be used, (4) the animal causing damage, (5) the crops to be protected, (6) the hours and interval of operation, (7) the period for which protection is needed, and (8) the name, address and signature of applicant or landowner, if different.

(c) The commissioner may authorize the use of the following in permits issued under this section: Propane exploders, acetylene exploders, carbide exploders, electronic noisemakers and similar noise-making devices. The use of fire crackers and similar explosives is prohibited. No permit shall be issued for the use of any noise-making device for a property of less than five acres in area or for use within five hundred feet of any dwelling, other than the dwelling of the applicant for such permit, without the written consent of the occupants of such dwelling.

(d) No person may operate or allow the operation of noise-making devices pursuant to this section in excess of 80 dB peak sound pressure level from ten o'clock p.m. to seven o'clock a.m. local time or in excess of 100 dB peak sound pressure level from seven o'clock a.m. to ten o'clock p.m. local time. Such sound level shall be as measured from the property line of any receptor residential property. Any noise-making device authorized pursuant to this section shall be operated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of such device and any written conditions contained in the permit that the commissioner or the commissioner's designee deems appropriate.

(e) No noise-making device shall be used in any manner or in any location that may endanger public safety. Any noise-making device permitted under this section to repel or scare birds may only be operated from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Any such noise-making device used to repel or scare nocturnal or crepuscular marauding wild animals may be operated between sunset and sunrise.

(f) Any noise-making device used pursuant to this section shall bear a weather-resistant tag that shall state the name, address and phone number of the operator of the noise-making device. At all times, such tag shall be securely affixed to the noise-making device and shall be legible.

(g) (1) If the legislative body of any municipality adopts a resolution that states that there is undue hardship on nearby residents as a result of the use of any device permitted under this section, and that requests that the commissioner deny or cancel the right to use such device, or, in the alternative, institute a best practical use procedure described in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, may deny or cancel a permit to use such device, or, in the alternative, institute a best practical use procedure in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection, if the commissioner determines that its use creates, or will create, an undue hardship on nearby residents. In making any such decision, the commissioner may consult with experts in wildlife damage to crops and any county or state-wide advisory group the commissioner deems appropriate. For the purposes of this subsection, “undue hardship” means causing significant injury to the health and comfort of a person, as a result of the use of the permitted device while such person is on his or her own real property and within the curtilage of his or her home.

(2) The commissioner may require the implementation of a best practical use procedure by a permittee in response to a resolution adopted pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection if the commissioner determines that such a best practical use procedure is feasible to limit the excessive use of such permitted device. Any such best practical use procedure shall limit the use of the permitted device to an extent that provides for the least detrimental level of use of such permitted device while enabling such device to be effective. In developing any such best practical use procedure, the commissioner shall assess the permitted device, the accepted trade practices associated with the effective use of such device, the technical feasibility of implementation and use of a best practical use procedure, the nature of the area in which the permitted device is used, the crop that is intended to be protected through use of such device and the wildlife that is intended to be scared or repelled by use of the permitted device. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to authorize any cause of action.

(h) The Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner's designee, shall issue a warning notice for each of the first two violations by a permittee of any provision of this section in any twelve-month period. The commissioner shall revoke a permit issued pursuant to this section for not less than one year upon the third violation of this section in any twelve-month period by such permittee. Any person who has his or her permit revoked by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may appeal such order provided such person requests a hearing, in writing, to the commissioner and such request is received by the commissioner not later than fifteen days after the date of such order. During any such appeal, such order shall remain in effect until a final decision is rendered. The commissioner may appoint a hearing officer to hear such appeal and render a final decision, as the commissioner deems appropriate. In any such appeal, the only consideration shall be whether the violation or violations alleged actually occurred.

(i) Any person who operates a noise-making device without a permit, during an appeal period for a permit revocation, or after a permit is revoked shall be fined one hundred dollars for the first offense and three hundred dollars for a second and any subsequent offense. Each noise-making device operated in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

(P.A. 93-222, S. 1, 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; P.A. 15-121, S. 1; P.A. 16-89, S. 10.)

History: P.A. 93-222 effective July 1, 1993; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; P.A. 15-121 amended Subsec. (a) by changing “shall” to “may” re on-site inspection and adding provision re applicant to provide estimate of potential loss attributed to wildlife damage, amended Subsec. (d) by adding provision re noise-making device to be operated in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and any written conditions in permit, added new Subsec. (f) re weather-resistant tag on device, redesignated existing Subsecs. (f) and (g) as Subsecs. (g) and (h), amended redesignated Subsec. (g) by adding provision re consultation with experts in wildlife damage to crops, amended redesignated Subsec. (h) by deleting “may revoke a permit issued pursuant to this section”, adding references to commissioner's designee, adding provisions re commissioner to issue warning notice for each of first 2 violations in any 12-month period and revoke permit upon third violation in any 12-month period, and adding provisions re appeal of order revoking permit, added Subsec. (i) re fines for operating noise-making device without permit during appeal period for permit revocation or after permit is revoked, and made technical changes; P.A. 16-89 amended Subsec. (g) to designate existing provisions re legislative body of municipality adopting resolution as Subdiv. (1) and amend same to define “undue hardship”, add Subdiv. (2) re best practical use procedure and make conforming changes, effective June 1, 2016.

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Sec. 22-26h. Agricultural technology development. Advisory board. Responsibilities of commissioner. Section 22-26h is repealed, effective June 8, 2004.

(P.A. 94-133, S. 1, 2; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 99-110, S. 5; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; 04-223, S. 9.)

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Sec. 22-26i. Maintenance, repair and improvement account. (a) There is established a separate, nonlapsing account, within the General Fund, known as the maintenance, repair and improvement account. All moneys collected from any rent paid by any person occupying or otherwise using any property owned by the Department of Agriculture, including houses or other buildings, shall be deposited into the account unless the Commissioner of Agriculture enters into a written agreement, signs an instrument or issues a license which specifically states otherwise. Said account may also receive moneys from private or public sources, including the federal government or a municipal government.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any moneys received by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to the maintenance, repair and improvement account. The account shall be available to the Commissioner of Agriculture for maintaining, making improvements to, erecting structures on or repairing any property owned by the department, including houses and other buildings. Nothing in this section shall prevent the commissioner from obtaining or using funds from sources other than the account for maintaining, making improvements to, erecting structures on or repairing any property owned by the department, including houses and other buildings.

(c) The commissioner shall annually report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations concerning the activities and status of the maintenance, repair and improvement account.

(P.A. 01-126, S. 1, 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 01-126 effective July 1, 2001; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

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Sec. 22-26j. Farm viability matching grant program. Eligibility. Purposes. The Department of Agriculture shall establish and administer a farm viability matching grant program to any agricultural not-for-profit organization, municipality, group of municipalities, regional council of governments organized under the provisions of sections 4-124i to 4-124p, inclusive, or group of municipalities that have established a regional interlocal agreement pursuant to sections 7-339a to 7-339l, inclusive, to further agricultural viability. Such grants may be used for the following purposes: (1) Local capital projects that foster agricultural viability, including, but not limited to, processing facilities and farmers' markets; (2) the development and implementation of agriculturally friendly land use regulations and local farmland protection strategies that sustain and promote local agriculture; (3) the development of new marketing programs and venues through or in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state; (4) the development and implementation of programs and services that promote farm and farmland access and transfer of such farms; and (5) the development of urban and nontraditional farming practices.

(P.A. 05-228, S. 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 113; P.A. 08-13, S. 3; P.A. 09-229, S. 32; P.A. 13-247, S. 294; P.A. 16-107, S. 1; P.A. 21-155, S. 10.)

History: P.A. 05-228 effective July 1, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 changed effective date of P.A. 05-228 to October 1, 2005, effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 08-13 added “farm viability matching grant” and deleted “of matching grants” re program and added eligible entities, effective April 29, 2008; P.A. 09-229 added “agricultural not-for-profit organization” to list of eligible entities and added Subdiv. (3) re development of new marketing programs and venues, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 13-247 deleted references to regional planning agency and regional council of elected officials and made a technical change, effective January 1, 2015; P.A. 16-107 added Subdiv. (4) re use of grants to develop and implement programs and services that promote farm and farmland access and transfer of farms, effective June 2, 2016; P.A. 21-155 added Subdiv. (5) re development of urban and nontraditional farming practices, effective July 12, 2021.

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Sec. 22-26k. Farm transition grant program. Matching grants. (a) There is established a farm transition grant program which shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture. Matching grants shall be made to farmers and agricultural cooperatives for diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value added agricultural production and sales, and developing farmers' markets and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state.

(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, for the administration of the program established by this section. Such regulations shall require the development of business plans by applicants as part of the application process.

(P.A. 05-228, S. 3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 113; P.A. 08-13, S. 4; P.A. 09-229, S. 31.)

History: P.A. 05-288 effective July 1, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 changed effective date of P.A. 05-228 to October 1, 2005, effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 08-13 added “grant” re program in Subsec. (a), effective April 29, 2008; P.A. 09-229 deleted “agricultural not-for-profit organizations” in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2009.

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Sec. 22-26l. Connecticut Farm Link program. (a) The Department of Agriculture shall establish and administer a Connecticut Farm Link program to establish a database of farmers and agricultural land owners who intend to sell, lease or otherwise transfer their farm operations or agricultural land. The database shall be maintained by the Department of Agriculture and shall be made available to the public on the department's web site. Persons interested in starting an agricultural business or persons interested in expanding a current agricultural business may notify the department and have their names, contact information and intentions regarding such businesses entered in such database. The department shall make reasonable efforts to facilitate contact between parties with compatible interests, including, but not limited to, growing and processing crops as feedstock for biodiesel heating and transportation fuels. The Department of Agriculture may collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service and the Labor Department to encourage and assist veterans in starting or expanding an agricultural business and to provide education and training opportunities to veterans concerning farming or agricultural operations.

(b) The Department of Agriculture shall post materials regarding the Connecticut Farm Link program and farmland access, restoration and transfer on the department's Internet web site, conduct outreach to landowners and farmers, perform on-site investigations for lands enrolled in the Farm Link program, facilitate contact between parties with compatible interests and provide related educational programming, including, but not limited to, programs regarding farm transfer and farm succession planning, family farm estate planning, farm transfer strategies, farm leasing, formation of farm partnerships, growing and processing crops as feedstock for biodiesel heating and transportation fuels and information regarding starting a farm business.

(P.A. 05-228, S. 4; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 113; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-4, S. 58; P.A. 15-117, S. 2; P.A. 16-107, S. 2; 16-167, S. 26.)

History: P.A. 05-228 effective July 1, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 changed effective date of P.A. 05-228 to October 1, 2005, effective June 30, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-4 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to add references to growing and processing crops as feedstock for biodiesel, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 15-117 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provisions re encouragement and assistance for veterans starting or expanding agricultural business and farming or agricultural operations education and training opportunities, effective June 23, 2015; P.A. 16-107 amended Subsec. (a) to add “, lease or otherwise transfer” in provision re database of farmers and agricultural land owners, replace “placed on the web site” with “entered in such database” in provision re contact information and intentions re businesses and replace “similar interests” with “compatible interests”, amended Subsec. (b) to replace provision re posting educational materials on program on department's web site with provision re posting materials on program and farmland access, restoration and transfer on department's web site, and add provisions re conducting outreach to landowners and farmers, performing on-site investigations for lands enrolled in program, facilitating contact between parties with compatible interests and providing related educational programming, added Subsec. (c) re department's authority to create partnerships or utilize third-party entities to implement provisions of section, and made a conforming change, effective June 2, 2016; P.A. 16-167 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

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Secs. 22-26m to 22-26z. Reserved for future use.

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