(Newington) - Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state and federal officials and animal welfare advocates today discussed the connection between animal cruelty, child maltreatment and other forms of interpersonal violence.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announces the release of the fifth annual edition of Connecticut Grown, a guide to the state’s farms, food, and markets. This edition reflects on where Connecticut agriculture has been while looking forward and setting intentions for the future.

HARTFORD — Planting season is underway for many of Connecticut’s 5,500 farms. Motorists are likely to see more large, slow-moving farm equipment traveling Connecticut’s rural roads and highways. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Connecticut Department of Transportation encourage motorists to slow down, be aware, and be patient on roadways this spring.

The Connecticut Milk Promotion Board (CT MPB), administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), has awarded three grants totaling $660,000 to projects that align with their strategic vision to increase purchases and expand the access of milk and dairy products to consumers, retailers, institutions, and other applicable outlets.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announces a regulatory update for honey and maple syrup producers in Connecticut. The new regulations, effective February 10, 2023, are a result of Public Act 19-18, which transferred the responsibility to regulate the production and sale of Honey and Maple Syrup from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

(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.

(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.

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.

(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.

(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.