(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announced today the release of Farm Transition Grant program guidance for fiscal year 2026. Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives are eligible to apply with a focus on projects seeking to diversify existing operations or transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales. All applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Funding priorities include projects which increase the availability of livestock processing facilities in Connecticut and utilization of equipment specific to climate smart, sustainable agricultural practices.
“When we invest in Connecticut’s farm businesses, we are strengthening the entire agricultural ecosystem. Microgrants are propelling new entrepreneur’s years ahead, giving them the tools to grow with confidence and purpose,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “At the same time, established farms are using these strategic investments to reinvest in operations, adopt new technologies, and meet the evolving demands of today’s consumers. These aren’t just grants – they’re catalysts for resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.”
Grant applications must fall under one of these categories:
- New Farmer Micro Grants: Up to $5,000 awarded (25% match required) to support new and beginning individuals or partnerships with one full year to three years of production history, seeking long-term careers in the Connecticut agriculture industry.
- Infrastructure Investment Grant: Up to $24,999 awarded (50% match requirement) to support farmers in production for a minimum of three years with a need for infrastructure to expand, diversify, and/or transition the farm’s production and operation.
- Research and Development Grant: Up to $24,999 awarded (40% match requirement) for farms with a minimum of three years of production history to conduct research to evaluate the viability of developing a new product line, service, or market.
- Innovation and Diversification Grant: Up to $49,999 awarded (25% match requirement) to support farms with a minimum of three years of production history with the production of a new product or service for market or business expansion.
Farm Transition Grant applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual workshop on Friday, November 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., via Zoom. This webinar will include an overview of the grant program, application components, and submission process. A recording of the webinar will be posted for those who cannot attend the live session. Click here to register for the virtual workshop.
In addition to the virtual workshop, open office hours will be offered virtually providing an opportunity to drop in and ask questions on the following dates:
- Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. via Zoom
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. via Zoom
Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications and grant guidelines are available at CT DoAg’s website. This is a competitive grant process with applications scored by a review panel. Grant awards will be announced in February 2026. Questions regarding the Farm Transition Grant can be directed to Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov.
Farm Transition Grant is authorized by and funded through C.G.S. Section 22-26k to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut’s agricultural businesses in times of growth and change.
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
