Agricultural land use in Conncticut

Connecticut’s farmland is one of our most vital resources

Connecticut’s agricultural industry relies on the state’s extraordinary farmland to produce fresh, high-quality products year-round. The Department of Agriculture engages with farmland owners to permanently protect farmland from development. We also conduct stewardship to make sure easement terms are followed.

Discover how we steward and protect the use of CT farmland. Learn more about land use programs and services run by DoAg, such as:

  • Farmland preservation programs
  • CT FarmLink
  • Solar and agrivoltaics regulations
Contact the Farmland Preservation Program  

Farmland preservation

We protect CT’s farmland for the next generation

DoAg preserves working lands by acquiring development rights to farms and agricultural properties. We do this through two programs:

  • Farmland Preservation Program (FPP)
  • Community Farms Preservation Program (CFPP)

These programs guarantee that the land remains available only for agricultural use. They also give farmers a realistic alternative to selling their land for residential development.

To date, our programs preserved more than 50,000 acres on nearly 450 farmland parcels.

Learn more about farmland preservation in CT  

Farmland preservation programs and grants

Traditional Farmland Preservation Program (FPP)  

Get to know the primary program that DoAg uses to acquire development rights to agricultural properties. This is for larger farms (30 acres or more) with more cropland, as well as prime and important soils.

Community Farms Preservation Program (CFPP)  

This program works with farms that don’t meet traditional FPP criteria, but contribute to local economies and have significant community support.

Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency, and Preparedness (RRP) Grant 

We’re invested in protecting farms from the impact of climate and extreme weather events. Get matching funds to make necessary improvements and reinforce your farmland.

Information for easement holders  

Find resources for owners of preserved farmland. This includes stewardship information and how to sell or transfer a preserved farm.

Frequently asked questions 

Get answers to the most common queries related to DoAg’s farmland preservation programs.

CT FarmLink

Create a CT FarmLink account 

Linking CT farmers and landowners

FarmLink connects the next generation of farmers with the land they need to work. Our goal is to keep CT farmland in production for years to come.
  • Find a farm 
    Looking for land to start a farm business? Browse property locations and profiles to find the right fit.
  • Find a farmer 
    Have farmland to spare? View profiles of farm seekers and what they’re looking for. This includes plans, acreage needed, experience, and more.
  • Get resources 
    Discover important tools and information for farmers and farmland owners.
Create a CT FarmLink account 

Solar energy and agrivoltaics

Contact us about solar 

Use your land for solar energy

Explore solar options for your property. This includes agrivoltaics, which uses one piece of land to farm and generate solar energy.
  • Connecticut Siting Council petitions 
    Any solar projects that may impact prime farmland resources have to be reviewed by DoAg. Find requirements and planning documents to petition the CT Siting Council.
  • Shared clean energy facilities 
    Apply to build a solar photovoltaic Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) on prime CT farmland. Find rules and requirements from DoAg and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Contact us about solar 

Discover more from DoAg

Farms and businesses
Find tools and resources for farm and agricultural businesses in Connecticut. Learn about tax exemptions, how to start and grow a business, emergency assistance, and more.

Public resources
Explore important agricultural information for all Connecticut residents. Get license and permit information, grants, farmers markets, and more.