Support Local Farms on Small Business Saturday and Throughout the Holidays
This holiday season, Connecticut Grown invites residents to celebrate the spirit of giving and decorating by shopping local. From festive greenery and handcrafted gifts to delicious ingredients for your holiday table, Connecticut’s farms offer everything you need to make the season bright. With Small Business Saturday coming up on November 29, it’s the perfect time to shop close to home as more than nine out of 10 farms are classified as family-owned and operated small businesses.
“With over 75 Christmas tree farms, plus farm stores and farmers’ markets open statewide, you can easily support Connecticut farms during this holiday season,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Whether you are decorating your home or seeking the perfect gift for that hard to shop for person, our farms offer high-quality, award-winning products that will delight every recipient.”
Decorate your Home with CT Grown Cheer
Connecticut Grown Christmas tree farms offer a variety of firs, spruces, and pines allowing you to select the one that suits your needs and space. Complement your tree purchase with handcrafted wreaths and vibrant poinsettias grown by the state’s robust greenhouse sector.
Holiday Greenery Care Tips:
- Christmas Trees: Make a fresh cut at the base before placing it in the stand and fill it with water immediately. Remember to refill the water daily.
- Wreaths: Hang in a cool, shaded area and mist with water every few days to maintain freshness.
- Poinsettias: Place in bright, indirect light and keep away from drafts. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch and take care to keep them out of reach if you have pets.
Give the Gift of Local
If you are seeking thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts, here are a few ideas combining Connecticut farm products and talented artisans:
- Cozy fiber goods like mittens, scarves, and blankets made from local wool and alpaca fiber.
- Handcrafted soaps and lotions made with goat’s milk and natural ingredients.
- Locally harvested honey, maple syrup, and artisanal chocolates are perfect for stocking stuffers or teacher gifts.
Serve CT Grown at Your Holiday Gatherings
Whether you are hosting or bringing a dish, elevate your meal with fresh, locally sourced ingredients:
- Farm-fresh vegetables, meats, and shellfish
- Artisanal cheeses, scratch made pies, and local farm wines
- Baked goods and preserves made with CT Grown fruits
Make CT Grown a Holiday Tradition
From picking out your tree to shopping on Small Business Saturday (and beyond), make a conscious choice to support local businesses. Visit Connecticut farms, farm wineries, and farmers’ markets to find holiday treasures this season.
For more holiday ideas and to find local farms, visit CTGrown.org.
Connecticut Grown is a multifaceted program developed in 1986 and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to support the diversity of Connecticut Grown products in local, regional, national, and international markets through both direct-to-consumer and wholesale-oriented program components.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
