FAQs

• Is there any reason my grant award may be rescinded?
  Answer: If grant funds are awarded, failure to provide the necessary information to establish an agreement or failure to sign and return a complete grant contract by the deadlines provided at the time of contract issuance will result in rescindment of the award and reallocation of funds back to the program. The awardee may reapply through future funding opportunities, but there is no guarantee of future funding.
• Who is eligible for the Farm Transition Grant (FTG)?
  Answer: Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives are eligible.
• Can a beginning farmer apply for the FTG?
  Answer:

  New and beginning farmers (with between one full year and three years of production history) are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

  1. Apply for or possess a Farmers’ Tax Exemption Permit through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
  2. Have a 2-5-year business plan drafted 
  3. Complete a crop plan 
  4. Be the operation owner and have been in production for between one full year and three years 
  5. Tenants must include a written agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project
• When is the next application deadline date?
  Answer: The application deadline is March 8, 2022, at 4:00 pm.
• Does it do me any good to send in my grant application as early as possible?
  Answer: Applications will be accepted on the DoAg grants portal from Tuesday, January 18 through Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 4:00pm. Applications can only be submitted once, and changes cannot be made once submitted. Ensure that you are satisfied with your application before submitting.
• What is the maximum amount an applicant could be awarded?
  Answer: This is dependent upon which grant category you apply for. To view maximum award amounts for each category, review the 2022 Farm Transition Grant Guidance document located in the Documents/Forms section.
• Is there an applicant match involved?
  Answer: Yes, and it is dependent upon which grant category you apply for. To view match requirement amounts for each category, review the 2022 Farm Transition Grant Guidance document located in the Documents/Forms section.
• If I apply by the deadline does it mean I will be funded?
  Answer: No. This is a very competitive grant program.  Only complete applications, as outlined in the Apply section which are submitted on time, will be evaluated. The evaluation will be conducted by a review panel and is weighted heavily on the submitted project plan within the Grant Narrative. The Grant Narratives (one for New Farmer Micro Grant and one for Infrastructure Investment, Research and Development, and Innovation and Diversification) can be found in the Documents/Forms section.
• How is the grant money paid to someone who has been awarded?
  Answer:  

  This is a reimbursement grant. Grant funds are paid after the project is successfully completed, a final financial report outlining all expenses associated with the project have been received and approved, a final narrative repot has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted.

• What projects can the FTG grant money be used for?
  Answer: There are four different FTG categories that you may apply for, and each have different eligible project types. Additional detail can be found on the 2022 Farm Transition Grant Guidance document.
• Can I purchase equipment with the grant?
  Answer: The eligibility of general-purpose equipment purchase with grant funds will be reviewed based on grant category and project usage. Equipment is an allowable match expense. 
• Can I pay employee salaries with the grant?
  Answer: No, grant funds cannot go toward the salaries of those already employed by the business to execute the project.  Consultant expenses (electricians, hired contractors, etc.) are allowable expenses.  Salaries are an allowable match expense.  Justification for payment and hours worked by employees in the final financial report will be necessary.
• Can I apply for grant funds for a project I have already done?
  Answer: No, you cannot have started any aspect of the project for which you're applying.
• How long do I have to complete the project?
  Answer: You will have 18 months from the time the contract is signed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or Attorney General’s office (as applicable).
• How do I apply for this grant?
  Answer:

  1. Review the 2022 Farm Transition Grant Guidance document found under Documents/Forms.
  2. In the Apply section, you will find links to the DoAg Grants Portal where you will fill out your application. You can also find step-by-step instructions for completing your application on the portal.
• Can I submit my application by mailing it to the Department of Agriculture?
  Answer: No, applications components are only accepted via the DoAg Grants Portal.
• Can someone from the Department of Agriculture help me write my business/project plan and complete the application?
  Answer:

  No, agency staff cannot be involved in the development of a project plan.

  The Connecticut Small Business Development Center, UConn Cooperative Extension, and Farm Credit East have varying resources to help you submit develop an application. 

• What is the timeframe for the grant application and decision period?
  Answer: It'll be a minimum of six weeks from the application deadline to when you're notified of the award outcome. The number of applications received affects this timeline significantly. Once notified of being awarded, it will be approx. 3-4 weeks before you receive your contract for signature. Once you send your signed contract back, it's another 4 weeks before internal contract signing is completed, and you can officially begin your project. This timeline can vary.
• If I have already received this grant in the past can I apply again?
  Answer: Yes, previous awardees to the FTG can reapply. Past awards and corresponding project completion will be taken into consideration when evaluating applications.
• Can I view the application of a successful or awarded project?
  Answer: No, we cannot share or distribute applications from projects that were awarded.  Applications, which are primarily based on a business/project plan, are considered proprietary information, and must remain confidential. 
• Can I start the project as soon as I know that I have been awarded?
  Answer: No, you may not start the project until signatures of the grantee, Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Attorney General’s office (as applicable) have signed the contract. You will receive a copy of your fully executed contract via email and permission to start your project.
• Can I apply for more than one Farm Transition Grant Category?
  Answer: No, you can only apply for one grant category annually. If you have additional questions on this, please contact the agency for assistance.