2022

(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), in cooperation with Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), is pleased to announce the third phase of a multi-year project to permanently protect Gallup Homestead Farm in Voluntown has been completed.

(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is pleased to announce the preservation of Pesce Farm in Bolton. This 68-acre farm was protected in concert with Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), and Bolton Land Trust bringing the tally of farms protected this calendar year by CT DoAg to five farms and 333 acres. Since the inception of the program in 1979 the state has protected 404 farms and 47,679 acres.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is pleased to announce the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant Guidance is now available with up to $7 million available in funding for projects which support climate smart farming practices. Funding is provided through Public Act 22-118 Sec 12(b)(70) which provides $7 million for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.

(HARTFORD) Today Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt, CT Farmer Veteran member and owner of Mountain View Farm Lorren Pogson, USDA Rural Development Southern New England State Director Scott Soares, Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) of CT President Jared McCool, and Executive Director of CT Resource Conservation & Development (CT RC&D) Jeanne Davies gathered to officially announce the formation of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Connecticut and release the Homegrown by Heroes CT Grown brand logo.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Population Control Program (APCP) is now accepting applications for the Feral Cat Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023. Applications must be completed and returned by mail with postmark no later than November 30, 2022.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the 2023 Farm Transition Grant (FTG) application period will open on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The grant features four dynamic categories to address gaps in funding to support farmers in times of growth and change. Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2022.   

(HARTFORD) The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), along with partners from the CT Farm to School Collaborative, Food Corps, and State Department of Education, visited Environmental Science Magnet School in Hartford today to celebrate Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week happening statewide through October 7.

(HARTFORD) Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a backyard flock in New Haven County on October 4, 2022. The backyard flock, consisting of turkeys, guinea fowl and chickens, were pets, not commercial poultry. Samples were sent to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (CVMDL) for testing.