(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 Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

“In 2019, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 3 reinvigorating the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) which tasked state agencies to implement actions to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the climate crisis. As chair of the Agriculture and Soils Subgroup for Working and Natural Lands, I worked in coordination with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and key stakeholders to put forward recommendations to mitigate the effects of climate change on Connecticut Agriculture,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “During the recent legislative session, lawmakers took decisive action to make strategic investments to build a more resilient Connecticut. One of the results is this new funding opportunity, Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant, which will fund projects making a meaningful impact through the implementation of climate smart practices.”

The Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant can fund projects in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:

1. Providing technical assistance. 
2. Distributing a grant to producers. 
3. Coordinating training programs. 
4. Coordinating projects that pilot or demonstrate water and land-based conservation practices. 
5. Creating tools that help reduce barriers to accessing assistance for climate smart farming. 
6. Establishing equipment-sharing programs.  
7. Other activities that will increase the number of farmers who are implementing climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. 

Any agribusiness or entity, including nonprofit organization, soil and water conservation district, colleges and universities, municipality or for-profit organization in the State of Connecticut are eligible to apply. All agricultural commodities can participate including aquaculture, agriculture and forestry. In addition, all production types will be supported including conventional/organic, indoor/outdoor, soil/water, and urban/rural. CT DoAg plans to issue awards in varying amounts for program implementation from May 1, 2023, through May 1, 2028.   

There will be four application funding tiers:

Tier 1: $100,000 to $249,999
Project duration: Up to 18 months
Tier 2: $250,000 to $499,999
Project duration: 18 months up to 2 years
Tier 3: $500,000 to $999,999
Project duration: 2-3 years
Tier 4: $1,000,000 and up
Project duration: 3-5 years

There is no match requirement for this grant.
An informational webinar will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to assist interested applicants in learning about eligible projects, the submission process, and tips for writing an application. Registration is required to attend this workshop. Please pre-register for the event here. Registered attendees will be provided the webinar information 24 hours prior to the start. 

Questions regarding the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture & Forestry Grant can be directed to Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov. More information on application requirements, submission process, and accompanying forms can be found online at http://www.CTgrown.gov/grants.