Agency Press Release Results Page

(HARTFORD, CT) – CT Grown, a program of Connecticut Department of Agriculture, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and fall is the perfect time for residents and visitors to experience the farms that shape our state’s communities. Pick your perfect fall adventure using the CTGrown.org map to support Connecticut farms this autumn.

(HARTFORD, CT) – State officials and local partners convened at Louis Toffolon Elementary School in Plainville today to kick off CT Grown for CT Kids (CTG4CTK) Week happening now through Friday, October 9. This year’s theme, “Breakfast and Beyond – CT Fresh All Day Long!” celebrates Connecticut’s investment in universal free school breakfast at participating schools this year, connecting expanded meal access with fresh, locally grown foods that nourish students, support Connecticut farmers, and help stretch family budgets.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is encouraging eligible WIC and Senior participants in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) to visit certified farmers at farmers’ markets and farm stands now for the best selection of CT Grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, eggs, and honey (Seniors only). The FMNP program ends on November 30, 2026.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) and Office of Policy and Management (OPM) today announced the final recommendations of the PA 490 Working Group, concluding an eight-month review of the state’s process for collecting data and establishing recommended land use values under Connecticut’s PA 490 program, and have submitted those recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly for further legislative and regulatory review. 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt, and members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today announced that the application period for Connecticut farmers seeking disaster relief funding to cover losses from severe and unseasonable weather events the state experienced in 2023 and 2024 is now open. These funds are coming from an allocation of $52.9 million in disaster relief the Connecticut Department of Agriculture was awarded this summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to these weather events.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is reminding the state’s horse and livestock owners to take preventative measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Both diseases pose a risk to animals and humans, with two confirmed West Nile virus detections in Connecticut residents this year. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has reported an increase in WNV-infected mosquito detections in recent weeks. No horse or livestock detections have been confirmed in 2026.

The Public Act 490 Working Group will make a public presentation of recommendations to improve data collection, review, and valuation processes on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to join virtually and must register in advance by noon on Monday, September 7, 2026. 

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announces the release of the fiscal year 2027 Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant (CTG4CTK) guidance and application opening. Microgrant applications are due by September 9, and full grant applications are due by November 9, 2026.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) invites the public to comment on the proposed program structure for the Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency & Preparedness (RRP) Grant in 2027. The public is asked to submit written comments on the RRP Program and the topic prompts by Monday, August 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST. The input received will be considered when developing final program structure for 2027.

ROCKY HILL, CT - For a third straight year, Connecticut’s veteran farmers and agricultural producers came together on the grounds of the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs to host the third annual CT Veteran Grown Farmers’ Market on August 6, 2026. The annual event supports the CT Veteran Grown Initiative - funded with Congressionally Directed Spending through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Hundreds of attendees came to support Connecticut’s veteran agricultural community and artisans by purchasing an array of fresh fruit and vegetable produce, baked goods, flowers, eggs, maple syrup, jams, poultry, and other unique offerings - all grown or made by Connecticut’s Veteran Farmers and Makers.