A Connecticut working group has recommended extra review whenever proposed farmland values for property tax purposes are at least 20% higher than in the previous five-year valuation cycle.
The Department of Agriculture and Office of Policy and Management (OPM) announced the Public Act 490 recommendations Sept. 22 after an eight-month review. They were submitted to the governor and state legislature for further review.
Public Act 490, commonly called PA 490, allows eligible land to be taxed according to its current farm, forest or open-space use rather than its market value, or what it could sell for.
Under the proposal, a committee of farmers, agricultural organizations, municipal leaders and property tax assessors would examine whether a large increase is supported by the data and market conditions. The recommendations also call for annual reporting by owners of farmland enrolled in PA 490 to improve information about agricultural rental values.
The proposals concern how the state collects and reviews valuation data. The working group's final recommendations and meeting records are posted by OPM.
Sources
Connecticut agriculture and OPM announcement, Sept. 22, 2026
OPM PA 490 working group records
Connecticut Department of Agriculture: Public Act 490 explained