The right to grow food and raise animals in one’s backyard could become the new battleground in Connecticut.
States across the country, including Connecticut, have “Right-to-Farm” laws to protect farmers against nuisance complaints or lawsuits resulting from farm operations. Nuisances may include noise, odors and visual clutter — all part of standard farming practices.
As the small farm movement continues to grow, some of Connecticut’s 169 towns are either considering or changing their right-to-farm ordinances. Towns such as Monroe and New Haven have adopted right-to-farm ordinances that are supportive of farming, while others, including Middletown, have changed their ordinances, reducing the land residents have to use, citing concerns over health and safety. Other towns in Connecticut are supportive, but don’t have right-to-farm ordinances.