Representative Patrick Callahan Recognized by Working Lands Alliance as 2025 Legislative Champion
Key Takeaways
- Working Lands Alliance honors Rep. Patrick Callahan as 2025 Legislative Champion
- Callahan credited for backing pro-farmer policies and economic measures
- Recognition highlights commitment to agricultural land preservation and local farming
HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-New Fairfield) has been recognized as a 2025 Legislative Champion by the Working Lands Alliance.
He was honored for his work as Environment Committee Ranking Member to secure passage of the Connecticut Farm Bill. The organization said in their presentation that the award was for his unwavering commitment to Connecticut agriculture.
The Working Lands Alliance (WLA) is a statewide voice for farmland preservation efforts in Connecticut. This alliance includes farmers, conservation and anti-hunger organizations, land trusts, local food advocates, and others.
“I am honored to have been recognized by the Working Lands Alliance for standing up for the best interests of farmers in Connecticut" said Rep. Callahan. "Without farmers we don’t have food. These small business owners are the backbone of our communities."
Rep. Callahan has made a concerted effort to fight for preservation of local farmland and open space in our towns and cities. Prior to being elected as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, he served as Chairman of the Candlewood Lake Authority and worked to protect the quality of the natural resource.
His ongoing work in the legislature includes discussions about the tax assessment hikes on farmland and open space, which were recently rolled back.
“I started talking with the Department of Agriculture about this issue back in mid-December when it was first brought to my attention. This rollback to the previous assessment rates is a short-term solution and I hope a more transparent and inclusive process to collect the data that informs the rates will be developed," said Callahan.
Among other provisions, the CT Farm Bill, Public Act 25-152, increases the statewide municipal property farm tax exemption, provides immunity to agritourism operators for any civil action for personal injury or property damage and provides for the purchase and operations of shipping container farms to grow food for schools and food pantries.