By Andi Anderson
Indiana farmers gained meaningful policy support in the 2025 legislative session, with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) backing key bills that have now been signed into law. These new laws aim to improve access to information, protect small farms, and promote sustainable practices.
One of the major successes was HB1149, which creates a centralized online portal through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. This portal will serve as a one-stop hub for funding, regulatory checklists, data visualization tools, and updates on farmland loss.
It will also include a searchable database of state and federal grants and gather public feedback on federal regulations.
Another important law, SB28, sets a formal response protocol for groundwater emergencies. It ensures that if large-scale water users negatively affect smaller wells, complaints will be investigated quickly, and responsible parties must compensate those impacted.
HB1557 establishes a legal framework for prescribed burning, an important land management practice. It now requires certified managers and written plans during burns, while also protecting practitioners from liability and confirming that smoke from these burns isn’t considered a nuisance.
HB1126 introduces reforms to improve how watershed development commissions operate in the Maumee River Basin, helping streamline project approvals and manage floodplains better.
AFT also pushed for a Retired Farmer Tax Credit to support farmland transition to young and beginning farmers. Though the proposal was removed from the House budget, it was included in the Senate’s version. AFT continues advocating to secure its place in Indiana’s final biennial budget.
Farmers interested in shaping future policy are encouraged to join AFT’s Indiana Agriculture and Conservation Collaborative, which will guide strategic advocacy ahead of the next session.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle