Key Takeaways:
- State Funding Allocation: Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announces the award of $1.475 million in grants to support climate resiliency in agriculture.
- Support for Regenerative Practices: The funding will help farmers and non-profits implement sustainable practices to combat the effects of extreme weather.
- Targeted Assistance: A significant portion of the grants will benefit beginning, underserved, and BIPOC producers.
- Development and Implementation Support: Grant recipients are to receive specialized assistance to develop and implement Farmland Restoration and Climate Resiliency Plans.
Overview of the Grant Initiative
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) has released $1.475 million in state funds aimed at bolstering long-term climate resilience among the state’s farmers and agricultural non-profits. This initiative is designed to encourage the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices that improve response and adaptability to extreme weather events.
Agriculture Commissioner’s Insights
Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt expressed the objectives of these grants: “Connecticut’s agricultural producers have demonstrated a strong desire to implement sustainable farming practices to be part of the climate change solution while also mitigating the impacts of more extreme weather events,” he said. “Through these strategic investments, farmers will be able to conduct projects to improve soils for increased productivity and enhanced resilience.”
Grant Details and Impact
The grants are part of the Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency and Preparedness Grant, established under Connecticut General Statutes 22-6c. This funding initiative focuses on projects that restore and enhance farmland soils, which are critical to agricultural productivity and ecological health.
Projects eligible for funding include capital investments for equipment and other long-term uses that contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices. This year, the program received 66 applications requesting a total of $4.8 million, highlighting the significant demand and need for such funding within the agricultural community.
Distribution of Funds
Out of the 20 projects funded, 13 grants were awarded to beginning or underserved producers, and 5 were designated for BIPOC producers, ensuring a diverse range of beneficiaries. “These grants not only aim to enhance climate resilience but also to promote equity in agricultural opportunities,” Commissioner Hurlburt added.
Technical Assistance for Recipients
A soil scientist or other advisor will assist each grantee, provided and compensated by CT DoAg, to help develop their Farmland Restoration and Climate Resiliency Plan (FRCR Plan). “Upon approval of the FRCR Plan by CT DoAg, grantees will receive funding to implement the FRCR Plan, ensuring that these projects are both sustainable and effective,” explained Commissioner Hurlburt.
2024 Grant Recipients
The fiscal year 2024 recipients include diverse projects across Connecticut, such as:
- Barkhamsted – The Stead Farm: $50,000 for initiatives including soil health, biodiversity improvements, and capital purchases.
- Canaan – Howling Flats Farm: $50,000 focused on water management and grazing land enhancements.
- (Additional recipients can be found here.)
Latest News On Connecticut Agriculture
Connecticut Agriculture Census Data Reveals $704M in Production Value (2024/03/04)
In a recent announcement by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2022 Census of Agriculture highlighted notable growth and changes within the state’s agricultural landscape. Despite broader challenges, Connecticut’s agriculture demonstrates resilience and progress.
Connecticut Agriculture Census Data Reveals Economic Growth Amidst Challenges
The census data revealed a considerable increase in the total value of agricultural products, reaching $704 million. This 21% growth from previous figures is significant, especially considering the decreasing number of farms, which now stands at 5,058.
Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt remarked on the census’s implications: “The results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture show that Connecticut is following many of the national trends, including the decline in a number of farms. However, our state is ahead of the national average for female and new and beginning producers.”
Connecticut Agriculture Census Data Reveal Sustainable Practices and Technological Advancements
Sustainability is a clear focus, with 36% of cropland utilizing conservation practices. The adoption of renewable energy has also seen a notable increase, emphasizing the sector’s move towards environmental sustainability.
NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer highlighted the broader significance of the census data, “Census of Agriculture data tell a story. This comprehensive snapshot every five years helps data users to see trends and shifts in the industry over time and helps producers do business.”
Connecticut’s Agricultural Achievements
Connecticut’s agriculture is diverse, leading in several categories nationally, including tobacco production and nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod sales. The state has also seen growth in direct sales to consumers and an increase in farms with internet access, underscoring the importance of connectivity in modern agriculture.
Regarding the demographic shifts and diversity in agriculture, Hurlburt added, “The Census provides us with a snapshot that we can use to inform our programming designs and framework that will support our current operations, help them expand and diversify their farm incomes, and increase the diversity of our agriculture sector ensuring the resiliency of our food system here in Connecticut.”
