(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is pleased to announce the 2025 Agricultural Enhancement Grant guidance is now available online. Applications from eligible Connecticut municipalities, regional councils of governments, and/or agricultural non-profit organizations for projects which directly impact or foster industry viability will be accepted starting Friday, January 17, 2025, and must be submitted no later than February 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST.
“We are committed to expanding our reach and supporting innovative projects that address the evolving challenges in agriculture. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, we aim to strengthen the sustainability and growth of farming in our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We encourage applicants to submit proposals that align with key funding priorities and provide actionable solutions to meet the current and future needs of CT agriculture.”
All projects funded by the Agricultural Enhancement Grant must advance farming and agriculture in Connecticut. New this year is the establishment of grant tiers. Tier 1 has a maximum award amount of $5,000, with a 25% cash or in-kind match required for projects up to 18 months in duration. Tier 2 has a maximum award amount of $49,999, with a 40% cash or in-kind match required for projects up to 24 months in duration.
Agricultural Enhancement Grant funding priorities include:
- Youth Agricultural Education
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Agriculture
- Urban Agriculture
- Food Supply Chain
- Farmland Accessibility
Examples of acceptable projects related to the funding priorities are available in the grant guidance. Additional details on match requirements and eligible expenses can be found in the guidance. All applications must be submitted electronically via the “Apply” tab on the Agricultural Enhancement Grant webpage.
A virtual workshop to assist interested applicants in learning about the structure of the grant and application process will occur on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Click here to register for the webinar. Virtual office hours will also be available for interested applicants to drop in and ask questions about the grant program and questions specific to their application. These will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Links to join are available on the Agricultural Enhancement Grant webpage.
Questions regarding the Agricultural Enhancement Grant can be directed to Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov.
Funding for the Agricultural Enhancement Grant is provided through the State of Connecticut Public Act 05-228, An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Affordable Housing, and Historic Preservation.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Rebecca Eddy, Rebecca.Eddy@ct.gov
860-573-0323
