Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Support Local Restaurants, Sustainable Agriculture Practices Clears Senate

SB24-152 would incentive local restaurants and bars to buy from Colorado-based agricultural producers practicing regenerative agriculture

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would support local regenerative agriculture producers cleared the Senate today.

SB24-152, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would create a refundable state income tax credit for food and beverage retailers who purchase agricultural commodities from Colorado-based farms using regenerative agriculture practices.

“Regenerative agriculture practices are emerging as an innovative and sustainable way for farmers to adapt to our changing environment,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan bill supports a partnership between the food and beverage industry, agriculture community, and conservation interests. These tax credits will drive business to both local entrepreneurs and local farmers and ranchers, helping them thrive in Colorado’s economy.”

Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems focused on: topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.

For tax years 2024 through 2028, the bill would create an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the total amount paid for all purchases from a qualifying producer in the tax year. A qualifying retailer would be allowed to receive one tax credit certificate per income tax year.

SB24-152 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.