Modify Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program

The bill modifies the Colorado agricultural future loan program (program) to permit certain eligible entities to receive funding from the program. An eligible entity is defined as an entity that is certified by the division of conservation or an entity that:

• Is a district that has authority to conduct water activities, an irrigation district, or a ditch and reservoir company; and
• Has a letter of support from an entity certified by the division of conservation.

The bill directs the commissioner of agriculture to adopt rules that prioritize the provision of loans to eligible entities that apply for loans in order to acquire and conserve agriculturally productive land and to transfer ownership of that land to an eligible farmer or rancher who qualifies for a loan from the program.

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)