Farmers across the country have been battling extreme weather events, uncertainty in federal funding, mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and more. But in Connecticut, legislators have provided tangible relief for local farmers.
In 2024, William DellaCamera garnered national attention after a hail storm decimated his crops at Cecarelli Farms in Northford. Demanding federal assistance for his farm and small- and medium-sized farms across the country, DellaCamera drove his tractor from Connecticut to Washington D.C.
Although the block grant funding was approved in December of 2024 and included $23 million for Connecticut farms, the funding has yet to reach farmers.
With the status of federal support unknown and extreme weather events happening more frequently due to climate change, DellaCamera and Keith Bishop of Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford worked together with their state senator, Christine Cohen, to create statewide policy to better support farmers, including a state-backed safety net for farmers facing crop losses due to extreme weather.
Cohen, D-Guilford, helped to assure the policy’s passage during this year’s legislative session.
“Farmers are the backbone of our nation and are already subject to so much volatility from the weather, to insects, to cold snaps and more, yet they remain adaptable, they persevere and they keep us fed,” Cohen said. “I am so pleased to see this legislation passed, as it is a message to our farmers: We have your backs. I am grateful to Willie Dellacamera and Keith Bishop for their tireless advocacy and look forward to continuing to work together and ensuring Connecticut remains a strong partner to our local farmers.”
The legislation implements property and income tax credits for investments in machinery and buildings, the first update to these exemptions since 1985, acknowledging the significant increase in costs to farmers.
By creating civil liability protections for farms engaged in agritourism, like pick-your-own fruit, the proposal reduces exposure for farms offering tours, picking activities, and rides. The bill acknowledges the changes in farming technology and allows the use of drones by FAA-licensed operators for precision spraying and fertilizing.
“After experiencing a devastating hailstorm during the 2024 growing season, I saw firsthand how vulnerable farmers are to extreme weather,” DellaCamera said. “Senator Christine Cohen not only listened, but took real action—helping to advance SB 1497 to support disaster recovery for farmers. This session, she has continued to stand up for agriculture, supporting key legislation on tax relief for farmers, the responsible use of drones in agriculture, and critical agritainment insurance measures. Her commitment to Connecticut’s farming community is unwavering, and I’m grateful for her leadership and genuine support.”
