HARTFORD, CT — A farmer whose commitment to soil health, community partnerships, and year-round diversified food production has reshaped a corner of southeastern Connecticut was honored today at Ag Day at the Capitol. Baylee Drown, owner of Long Table Farm in Lyme, has been named the 2026 Connecticut Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) today announced the latest round of Agricultural Enhancement Grant awards. A total of $503,531 will be distributed to 21 recipients across the state to directly impact or foster industry viability. This year’s application period drew strong interest with 37 submissions requesting more than one million dollars in support.

HARTFORD, CT — Join the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) in celebrating Connecticut Agriculture Week from March 15-21, 2026. This week highlights the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives. Agriculture contributes $4 billion dollars each year to the state’s economy. Connecticut is home to 5,000 farm businesses that work more than 370,000 acres and provide jobs for nearly 30,000 people in our state.

(HARTFORD, CT) – As poultry enthusiasts and producers gear up for the spring season, Connecticut Department of Agriculture officials are reminding backyard and commercial flock owners to prioritize biosecurity and regulatory compliance when purchasing chicks and hatching eggs. Robust prevention measures and adherence to state and federal requirements help safeguard flock health and protect the broader farming industry from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other infectious diseases.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) today announced a milestone for the Farm Transition Grant program awarding 43 farms across the state a total of $510,557. This marks the highest number of awards in a single fiscal year in the program’s history, following a record 123 applications from farm operations seeking to grow and adapt their operations.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is making $1.55 million in state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant program for the purchase of Connecticut Grown farm products to distribute to food-insecure populations.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Farms, specialty food businesses, and agricultural organizations are invited to submit vendor applications for exhibit space in the Connecticut Building at The Big E. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), in coordination with Connecticut Office of Tourism, showcases an extensive line-up of CT Grown businesses helping market their products and promote their services during the annual 17-day event. In 2026, The Big E will take place from September 18 through October 4 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announced today that it will accept applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program until 4:00 pm. EST on Monday, March 16, 2026. CT DoAg encourages prospective applicants to attend an informational webinar on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EST.

(HARTFORD, CT) - The 2025 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country officially wrapped up on December 31, and the winners have been drawn! This popular program, organized by the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council (CFWDC) administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, gives wine lovers a chance to explore 36 participating farm wineries and vineyards across the state. Participants could use a free mobile app or a printed passport book to collect stamps as they visited each location. 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), working with federal and local partners, announces the permanent protection of 13 farm parcels totaling 953 acres in 2025. Since the Farmland Preservation Program began in 1978, Connecticut has safeguarded 455 farm parcels and 51,203 acres through the purchase of development rights (PDR) program, ensuring these lands remain dedicated to agriculture.