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.
“A strong farming community fuels a strong state economy – agriculture feeds our families, supports our food supply, and drives innovation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Connecticut Agriculture Week is a time to celebrate farmers through renewed support of these local businesses. I encourage residents to join in the celebration by attending or supporting these events and their local farms throughout the week and year ahead.”
Ag Day at the Capitol
In collaboration with the Connecticut Ag Info Council (CAIC), CT DoAg will host Ag Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The centerpiece event for agriculture week features nearly 50 agricultural organizations showcasing the diverse array of farming activities, nutrition programs, and careers in agriculture. The event is open to farmers, legislators, FFA students, 4-H students, and the public. Attendees will sample and take home CT Grown products and enjoy special programming at 10:30 a.m. to announce the 2026 CT Outstanding Young Farmer and honor other awardees.
Women In Agriculture Panel
2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer, and March 21 is International Day of the Woman Farmer. In Connecticut, women make up 41 percent of all producers and CT DoAg is continuing its work to highlight the contributions of women in agribusiness. To recognize their role in the industry, CT DoAg, together with the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls will host a Women in Agriculture panel on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Amanda Fargo-Johnson, Agricultural Programs Director at CT RC&D); Dakota Rudloff-Eastman, owner of River Ridge Farm & Market: and Rachel Precious, founder of Precious Oysters Raw Bar Catering.
The session will be offered both virtually through Zoom (bit.ly/cowag-farmers) and in-person at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Plaza North Room D, Hartford, CT. Space for in-person attendance is limited, and advance registration is required by emailing Tracy.Opoku@ct.gov.
Maple Weekend
Warm days, and cold nights means Connecticut’s maple sugar producers have been busy collecting sap and boiling it down to make delicious maple syrup and value-added products such as maple candy. From March 21-22, Maple Weekend will be happening at locations throughout the state. From Ashford to Wilton, you can visit more than two dozen sugarhouses to meet the maple producers, tour their operation, and sample and buy maple products. Find a location on the CT Maple Weekend website.
Support CT Farms
Agriculture week is a reminder of how you can support Connecticut farms throughout the year. Here are a few ideas:
Purchase CT Grown farm products: Find a farm store, farm stand, farmers’ market, or retailer offering locally grown food and farm products using our map at CTGrown.org.
Seek an experience: Farm activities abound from seasonal pick-your-own and farm winery tastings to summer camps and ag fairs.
Sign up for a CSA or Home Delivery: Community Supported Agriculture is a win for you, and the farmer! CSA models offer in-season fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and more while home delivery options bring milk, bread, and meats to your door.
From the Ground to the Sound, Connecticut agriculture offers something for everyone. Learn more at CTGrown.org to discover how you can engage with Connecticut’s farms and make CT Grown your way of life.
