March

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• 3/31/2023 Connecticut Department of Agriculture Releases 2023 Farm Viability Grant Guidance with New Micro Grants Added

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the 2023 Farm Viability Grant (FVG) guidance is now available for eligible Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and/or agricultural non-profit organizations for projects that directly impact or foster agricultural viability. Applications are due May 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

• 3/30/2023 Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and State Agencies Announce Nearly $7 Million Awarded in Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry Grants During Climate Action Week

  (SOMERS, CT) – Yesterday, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt, and DEEP Deputy Commissioner Mason Trumble concluded Climate Action Week with the announcement of grant recipients receiving nearly $7 million in funding through the Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Grant program to implement climate smart practices. The announcement was made at Grower Direct Farms, Inc. in Somers, a subrecipient of the Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association award totaling $1.75 million to reduce water consumption across six greenhouse operations in Connecticut.

• 3/28/2023 Shell Recycling Initiative Being Introduced in Connecticut

  Groton – Empty oyster and clam shells from Long Island Sound shouldn’t be treated like trash. They are vital components of healthy habitat for shellfish and other marine life, and need to be returned to their watery home instead of being hauled away with other garbage. That’s the message shell recycling advocates are advancing as part of a new statewide initiative.

• 3/23/2023 Governor Lamont Highlights Nearly $5 Million Investment in Statewide Feeding Program Partnerships Providing Connecticut Grown Food to Residents

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt today held a news conference during the annual Connecticut Ag Day event at the State Capitol in Hartford, where they announced that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, nearly $5 million in funds has been distributed in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to support emergency feeding programs, address food insecurity through the procurement of Connecticut Grown foods, and support programming that enables residents of all ages to have equitable access to locally grown foods. They were joined by partner members, Connecticut farmers, and state legislators.

• 3/23/2023 Connecticut Department of Agriculture Announces Launch of New Website to Support Farming Community in Times of Crisis

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announces the launch of a new website, CTFarmStressRelief.org, a compilation of mental health resources for those who make Connecticut’s agriculture industry work, including a free and confidential 24/7 crisis and support line through AgriStress Helpline Connecticut. The line is staffed by agricultural specialists who can be reached by calling or texting 833-897-2474.

• 3/17/2023 Connecticut Department of Agriculture Animal Population Control Programs See Record Response to Reduce Pet Overpopulation

• 3/15/2023 Attorney General Tong Moves For State Custody of 99 Neglected Sheep and One Goose Seized from Beacon Falls Home

  (Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today moved for state custody of 99 neglected sheep and one goose seized from a Beacon Falls farm in February.

• 3/3/2023 Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Transitions to Electronic Platform

  The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is pleased to announce the transition of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) from paper benefits to a mobile closed loop, EBT payment solution for the 2023 season. In September 2022, CT DoAg received $250,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Benefit Delivery Modernization Grant to invest in technology that will streamline benefit delivery for participants and improve equitable access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. CT DoAg will utilize SoliSytems to administer and redeem FMNP benefits.