Farm Reinvestment Grant Program
Farm Reinvestment Grant
Applications are not being accepted at this time. Please check back in the future for program updates.
The Farm Reinvestment Grants provides matching funds to Connecticut farms to expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms through projects with a lifespan of 10 years or more. The Farm Reinvestment Grant is funded through bond authorizations of the State of Connecticut.
Please be aware: this is a reimbursement grant. The entire project must be completed prior to being reimbursed/receiving grant funds.
Farm Reinvestment Grant Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Farm Reinvestment Grant (FRG)
Connecticut farmers.
Connecticut farmers.
Can a beginning farmer apply for the FTG?
Applicants need to be in production, filing a Schedule F, Form 1120S, or Schedule C for the previous three years.
Applicants need to be in production, filing a Schedule F, Form 1120S, or Schedule C for the previous three years.
When is the next application deadline date?
This has yet to be determined.
This has yet to be determined.
What is maximum amount an applicant could be awarded?
Up to $40,000.
Up to $40,000.
Is there an applicant match involved?
Yes, a 50% cash match, or a 1:1 match, must be provide by the applicant. This means if your total project has a cost of $20,000 the applicant must provide at least $10,000 and a maximum of $10,000 could be awarded by the FTG.
Yes, a 50% cash match, or a 1:1 match, must be provide by the applicant. This means if your total project has a cost of $20,000 the applicant must provide at least $10,000 and a maximum of $10,000 could be awarded by the FTG.
If I apply by the deadline does it mean I'll be funded?
No. This is a very competitive grant program. Applications are evaluated by a team of reviewers and is primarily based on the business/project plan. More information on the evaluation criteria can be found in the application guidelines.
How is the grant money paid to someone who's been awarded?
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 project report has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted. For any building a certificate of occupancy must be obtained as well.
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 project report has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted. For any building a certificate of occupancy must be obtained as well.
What projects can the FRG grant money be used for?
Projects which expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms and have a lifespan of 10 years or more. More specific priority areas are outlined in the application guidelines.
Projects which expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms and have a lifespan of 10 years or more. More specific priority areas are outlined in the application guidelines.
Can I purchase equipment with the grant?
While it can vary, general purpose equipment - tractors, trucks, boats, etc. - are not allowable purchases. However, if it can be justified that the requested piece of equipment will allow the business to expand, diversify, and improve, it may be considered. Equipment is an allowable match expense so long as it directly and meaningfully supports the project.
Can I pay employees salaries with the grant?
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.
Can I apply for grant funds for a project I've already done?
No, you cannot have started any aspect of the project for which you're applying.
How long do I have to complete the project?
You will have one year from the time the contract is signed by the Attorney Generals office.
You will have one year from the time the contract is signed by the Attorney Generals office.
How do I apply for this grant?
1. Review the grant application guidelines
2. Fill out the application cover page and budget forms in detail per the guidelines
3. Develop your business/project plan per the information provided in the guidelines
4. Submit the completed forms and business/project plan by email by the deadline
Can I submit my application by mailing it to the Department of Agriculture?
No, applications are only accepted by email.
Can I view the application of a successful/awarded project?
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 someone from the Department of Agriculture help me write my business/project plan and complete the application?
No, agency staff cannot be involved in the development of a business/project plan. Information is available above to help develop a successful application. The Connecticut Small Business Development Center, UConn Cooperative Extension, and Farm Credit East have varying resources to help you submit an application as well.
What's the timeframe for the grant application and decision period?
It'll be approximately 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 the contract signing is complete and you can officially begin your project. This timeline can vary.
Can I start the project as soon as I know that I've been awarded?
No, you may not start the project until signatures of the grantee, Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Attorney Generals office have signed the contract.
No, you may not start the project until signatures of the grantee, Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Attorney Generals office have signed the contract.
If I've already received this grant in the past can I apply again?
Yes. However, past performance will be taken into consideration.
