State and Federal Agricultural Energy Assistance Programs

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of programs to assist projects addressing agricultural energy efficiency.

Connecticut Department of Agriculture Connecticut Agricultural Enhancement Grants

The Agricultural Enhancement Grant (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program open to municipalities, regional planning organizations, association of municipalities, and agricultural non-profits. The maximum grant award is $49,999.

Connecticut Department of Agriculture Farm Transition Grants

The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26k) is a competitive matching grant to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives. Producers and agriculture cooperatives applying for this grant may be awarded up to $49,999 in matching funds.

Connecticut Department of Agriculture Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency & Preparedness Grants

The Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency & Preparedness Grant (RRP) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-6c) is a competitive matching grant program open to agricultural producers and agricultural non-profits. The maximum grant award is $100,000.

Connecticut Farm Energy Program

The Connecticut Farm Energy Program (CFEP) serves as a resource and clearinghouse for information about on-farm energy opportunities, including grant opportunities, financial incentives, loans, audits, educational opportunities and events for agricultural producers and agricultural based small business located in Connecticut. CFEP works closely with Federal, State and local partners and they provide technical assistance in the form of grant writing to eligible Connecticut agricultural producers and small businesses.

Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut provides Connecticut consumers, businesses and communities the resources and information they need to make it easy to save energy and build a clean energy future for everyone in the state. It is an initiative of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities. The initiative has funding support from a charge on customer energy bills.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) On-Farm Energy Initiative

Financial assistance is available for site-specific energy analysis of eligible farmsteads and irrigation systems. This analysis, known as an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), is completed by NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers. With a completed AgEMP or other qualifying energy audit, eligible producers can apply for EQIP assistance for the purchase and installation of improvements for:

Applications should be made through a Connecticut NRCS office.

USDA Rural Energy for America Program

Rural Development Energy Programs, authorized by the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill, offer funding to complete energy audits, provide renewable energy development assistance, make energy efficiency improvements and install renewable energy systems. Programs are offered that help convert older heating sources to cleaner technologies, produce advanced biofuels, install solar panels, build biorefineries, and much more. For information on deadlines and award amounts, please visit the link above.