Key Takeaways:
- 15 farms in Northwest Connecticut receive funding for climate-smart agricultural projects.
- The grants are supported by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture through a $750,000 award.
- Projects include energy efficiency, soil health improvements, and emission reduction.
- Awarded farms represent a range of agricultural sectors, from dairy to aquaculture.
- A public celebration of awardees is planned for later this spring.
Second Round of Climate-Smart Grants Announced Supported by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture
The Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) has awarded a new round of funding to 15 farms through its Building Resiliency on Northwest Connecticut Farmland Implementation Grant program. The initiative supports the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to boost sustainability, operational efficiency, and climate adaptation.
This round of funding follows a $750,000 grant awarded to NCLC in March 2023 by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture as part of its Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry Grant program. This state initiative, created under Public Act 22-118, has allocated $7 million to promote environmentally sound practices in farming and conservation.
“Connecticut’s farms are in the top three for most at risk of loss in the country,” said Catherine Rawson, Executive Director of NCLC. “This program provides direct investments to help our state’s farmers adapt and thrive in a changing climate.”
Implementation Projects Span Energy, Soil, and Water Efficiency
Backed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture Grant Program
The 15 farms selected for the current round span Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties, representing dairy, poultry, aquaculture, vegetable, flower, and forestry operations. Each farm will implement practices that promote carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect local ecosystems.
Examples of awarded projects include:
- Adamah, Inc. (Falls Village): $16,000 for solar power, irrigation upgrades, and greenhouse efficiency improvements.
- Canaan View Dairy (East Canaan): $24,000 for manure management tools to reduce emissions and runoff.
- Sarah Lang – Conundrum Farm (Kent): $30,000 for greenhouse retrofits and automation for reduced energy use.
- Rowledge Pond Aquaculture (Sandy Hook): $23,000 for fuel-efficient equipment and forest management tools.
- The Stead Farm (Barkhamsted): $9,000 for mobile chicken coops to support rotational grazing.
Each project was selected through a competitive review process and is intended to yield long-term environmental and economic benefits.
“The more we shift to practices like no-till planting to minimize erosion and rotational grazing to restore soil organic matter, the better we will be at ensuring that food production is more stable and resilient,” said Joe McCartin, Co-owner of Hathor Hill Farm.
Assessments and Technical Support Also Funded
In addition to implementation funding, NCLC has provided 22 climate-smart agricultural assessments in partnership with Berkshire Agricultural Ventures. Four additional assessment awardees were named this cycle, including:
- Hamlin Preserve (Sharon)
- Mary Moore Preserve (Sharon)
- Riverbank Farm (Roxbury)
- Rowledge Pond Aquaculture (Sandy Hook)
These assessments help farms identify and plan for climate-smart strategies before pursuing larger infrastructure or operational changes.
A Statewide Commitment to Climate Resilience
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, which continues to support efforts that build farm-level resilience and environmental stewardship.
“Connecticut’s agricultural producers are committed to being part of the climate change solution,” said CT DoAg Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through the support of the Lamont Administration, we’ve partnered with organizations like NCLC to invest in sustainable and resilient farm practices.”
NCLC plans to host an on-farm celebration this spring to honor awardees and highlight the role of partners such as the Connecticut Department of Agriculture in sustaining regional agriculture.
A full list of awardees is available at: ctland.org/climate-smart-grant/awardees.
