AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION AREAS

Creates the Agricultural Protection Area Act. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a voluntary statewide program for the creation and recognition of agricultural protection areas and to adopt rules. Authorizes the Department to appoint an Agricultural Protection Area Commission to advise the Department and to make recommendations on applications to designate land as an agricultural protection area. Provides procedures for review of an initial application to designate land as an agricultural protection area, for renewal after 20 years, and for adding land to or removing land from an agricultural protection area. Requires recording of agricultural protection areas. Limits local regulations within agricultural protection areas and limits home rule powers and functions. Declares that agricultural activities within an agricultural protection area are not a public nuisance. Restricts eminent domain for nonagricultural purposes. Declares findings. Defines terms.