For What It May Be Worth

Connecticut’s 2025 PA 490 farmland tax crisis exposed critical flaws in the state's land valuation process. When new recommended use values were released, farmers faced sudden dramatic tax increases, threatening multigenerational operations and local food systems. The backlash revealed serious data and methodology problems, prompting Governor Lamont to revoke the values and restore prior rates. This demonstrates both the power of coordinated farmer advocacy and the need for long-term reform.

Public Act 490 (PA 490), enacted in 1963, taxes farmland based on agricultural use rather than development potential, making it one of Connecticut's most important farmland protection tools. Under PA 490, the Department of Agriculture updates farmland values every five years using farmer-reported data.

In October 2025, new land values triggered an uproar. Properties faced tax hikes of 300% or more, threatening longtime family farms. Farmers said the increases didn't reflect the real economics of Connecticut agriculture. Investigations revealed the October 2025 values were based on flawed data. A UConn survey and Farm Credit East report had low response rates, errors, and inconsistent values for such land types as pasture. On January 5, 2026, corrected values were released, but many farmers still considered them too high.

Farmers, farm groups, and lawmakers pushed back. Senator Jeff Gordon held public meetings, petitions gathered hundreds of signatures, and Senate Republicans called for halting PA 490 changes. On January 19, 2026, Governor Lamont ordered the elimination of the 2025 values and restoration of the 2020 rates. He also directed the creation of a working group including farmers, farm organizations, town leaders, and assessors to improve data collection and valuation methods.

While the Governor's action provided relief, structural problems remain. The Connecticut Farm Bureau Association (CFBA) has pledged to review valuation methods and propose legislative changes before the next five-year update. Key issues include declining rental data, inconsistent reporting, and inadequate error-checking before values are published. Proposed reforms include creating a permanent farmer advisory group, limiting how much PA 490 values can increase, and requiring legislative approval for future changes. Senator Heather Somers has advocated for adding active farmers to the rate-setting committee.

Two key takeaways for farmers: 1) advocacy works.  Coordinated pressure reversed the flawed values-and continued engagement in the working group and legislative process is critical. 2) Farmers should stay connected with the CFBA and Department of Agriculture, verify their assessors are using 2020 values, and participate in future surveys. Connecticut's local food supply depends on a fair, transparent valuation system.

For questions or concerns regarding local tax assessments related to these issues, please contact Attorney Michael Marafito of Pullman & Comley’s Property Tax and Valuation practice.

Liana Feinn is an attorney in Pullman & Comley’s Environmental and Litigation practices, who covers regulatory issues related to food and food production.