Increases allowable amount of farmland preservation grants to nonprofit organizations.

This bill would increase the maximum state funding for farmland preservation grants given to nonprofit organizations from 50 percent to 80 percent. Currently, while local governments can receive up to 80 percent of the cost for acquiring farmland easements or full ownership, nonprofits are limited to a lower share. The legislation aligns the funding rate for nonprofits with that of local governments to help them purchase development easements or acquire land titles for agricultural use. Under the new provisions, the State Agriculture Development Committee would approve the terms of easements held by these organizations, and any future proceeds from the land would be reinvested into farmland preservation efforts.