Connecticut Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) Update - Hartford, CT. Contact: Lance Shannon, Farmland Preservation Program, at (860) 713-2531 or Lance.Shannon@ct.gov October 22, 2008.
In the months of August and September, the State of Connecticut
closed on the acquisition of development rights to five farms. The five
are located in the northern and eastern parts of the State in established
farming communities, including the following farms: Fish and Miller/Billings
farms in Suffield, which is part of Hartford County; two of the Bass
Family Farms in Scotland, part of Windham County; and the Mary Miner
farm in Franklin, part of New London County. Approximately 376 acres
were protected in these five farms.
closed on the acquisition of development rights to five farms. The five
are located in the northern and eastern parts of the State in established
farming communities, including the following farms: Fish and Miller/Billings
farms in Suffield, which is part of Hartford County; two of the Bass
Family Farms in Scotland, part of Windham County; and the Mary Miner
farm in Franklin, part of New London County. Approximately 376 acres
were protected in these five farms.
With these acquisitions, the Farmland Preservation Program has
protected 239 farms in 32,676 acres in Connecticut. Some farms have
been protected through cost-share partnerships with the federal Farm
and Ranch Lands Protection Program, local municipalities and/or Connecticut
Farmland Trust. State public funds including lump sum bonding
and/or the Community Investment Act funds are used to acquire the
development rights.
protected 239 farms in 32,676 acres in Connecticut. Some farms have
been protected through cost-share partnerships with the federal Farm
and Ranch Lands Protection Program, local municipalities and/or Connecticut
Farmland Trust. State public funds including lump sum bonding
and/or the Community Investment Act funds are used to acquire the
development rights.
Currently, an additional 15 farms are under contract (i.e. the landowners
have signed agreements to sell the development rights to the
State). An additional 25 farms are on the short list and are either being
configured, appraised or are currently under negotiation.
have signed agreements to sell the development rights to the
State). An additional 25 farms are on the short list and are either being
configured, appraised or are currently under negotiation.
Farms protected through the FPP are restricted to agricultural use
only, thus preserving the land for food and fiber production. Future division
and subdivision is precluded to maintain the integrity of working
farms. Farm configurations are negotiated and on average, approximately
65% of the farm acreage protected contains prime and statewide
important farmland soils, which are best suited to agricultural productivity.
Agriculture and protected farms help Connecticut retain its rural
character and scenic vistas, promote local food security and support the
economy by employing thousands of workers.
only, thus preserving the land for food and fiber production. Future division
and subdivision is precluded to maintain the integrity of working
farms. Farm configurations are negotiated and on average, approximately
65% of the farm acreage protected contains prime and statewide
important farmland soils, which are best suited to agricultural productivity.
Agriculture and protected farms help Connecticut retain its rural
character and scenic vistas, promote local food security and support the
economy by employing thousands of workers.
For an application or more information on the CT Department of Agriculture’s
Farmland Preservation Program, please call 806.713.2511.
Farmland Preservation Program, please call 806.713.2511.
