Budget & Taxes (Agriculture)

HB 451 creates a small farm assistance program using Utah’s Agriculture Resource Development Fund to provide loans and grants to small farmers owning or leasing active farms under 20 acres. The program covers down payments for land acquisition, equipment purchases, and operational costs related to developing or maintaining agricultural land. It appropriates $20 million for fiscal year 2026, requires the Department of Agriculture to report program progress to a legislative committee, and updates existing fund rules to prioritize small farm support. This directly affects small-scale agricultural producers seeking financial assistance for land expansion or operational needs.