An act relating to establishing the Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund to provide payments for farm and forestry operation losses due to weather conditions

New weather relief for farms and forestry

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law creates a permanent weather-loss fund for eligible Vermont farms and forestry operations. Payments cover up to 50% of uninsured, unreimbursed, or otherwise uncovered losses, capped at $150,000 per operation each year. Total yearly awards cannot exceed 5% of the fund’s balance not designated or reserved at the fiscal year’s start. Payments depend on available money, and implementation requires a General Fund appropriation for fiscal year 2027 or later. The agriculture secretary must provide interpretation and translation services to help applicants access the fund. Eligible events include high winds, excessive moisture, intense rain, flooding, extreme heat, abnormal freezes, forest fires, hail, and drought. The Review Board can also approve other severe weather or growing conditions that affect operation income. Covered losses include wages, lost crop, livestock or timber income, debt payments, and ongoing business costs caused by the event. Aid also covers replanting, crop restoration, replacement feed, infrastructure and equipment repairs, and farm or logging road repairs. Losses from being unable to access harvested timber also qualify; the secretary can approve other losses after consulting the board. Applications are accepted anytime and require a damage description, confirmation of its weather cause, and estimated losses. Applicants must also provide a year-end income and expense report and list state grants or loans received during the past five years. The board must recommend awards within 15 days of receiving a complete application. The secretary must issue awards within 15 days after that recommendation, subject to funding and other program conditions. The fund accepts legislative transfers, donations, and federal weather-loss aid; unused money carries forward, and money can cover administration. The secretary administers the fund, while the board reviews applications, monitors results, and reports annually to legislative agriculture committees. Its report covers average losses over the prior three calendar years and recommends improvements.