Connecticut Gov. Lamont announced a freeze on property tax assessments for the state’s farms amid warnings that farmers would face severe tax hikes that would imperil their operations.
In a letter to the state’s Office of Policy and Management, Lamont ordered the revocation of the 2025 Recommended Land Use Values and Best Practices for farmland. In its place, he directed the 2020 recommended land use values be reinstated. for these categories. The governor’s action also applied to forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land.
Furthermore, Lamont called for the launch of a working group of state officials with representatives from agricultural organizations, farmers, municipal leaders, and assessors that would recommend alternative measures to improve data collection, review, and valuation processes consistent with state law.
“Family farms are vital to Connecticut’s economy and are an essential part of our heritage,” Lamont said in a statement. “Preserving Connecticut’s farmland and open spaces is critical to maintaining a reliable source of food and farm products, conserving our natural resources, and promoting the welfare and happiness of our residents. Our work to address concerns around rising land use values demonstrates our understanding of the challenges farmers face. Preserving these lands is about more than economics, it’s about sustaining a way of life that defines Connecticut, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the farming community to keep Connecticut agriculture strong.”
