Connecticut awards record $510,000 in Farm Transition Grants

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has awarded $510,557 in Farm Transition Grants to 43 farms across the state, supporting new and beginning farmers as well as infrastructure, innovation, and research projects.

Among the recipients, Ahlberg Grassroots Farm in South Glastonbury received $4,950 to install a perimeter fence aimed at increasing crop yield, while Assawaga Farm in Putnam was awarded $14,760 to establish an organic orchard with 80 fruit trees under two tunnels, including the purchase of stakes, trellising, roof trusses, and bracing. Bear Island Clam Company in Madison received $4,270 to install power poles on a work boat, allowing for non-invasive anchoring near clam beds to extend harvest days.

Bodhi Tree Gardens in Ansonia received $5,000 to build a greenhouse, improve its farmstand, and update its website to enhance marketing. Wheeler Brook Farm in Pawcatuck received $7,250 for a wash/rinse produce table, drip irrigation system, and a precision vacuum planter to support the farm’s cafeteria initiative. Clover Nook Farm in Bethany received $12,250 to purchase a no-till grain drill to improve forage quality and expand beef production.

Other awardees include Coltsfoot Valley Farm in Cornwall, which received $5,000 for a replacement heifer shelter, and CowPots in East Canaan, which received $23,255 to explore commercial papermaking from manure. CT Garlic Company in Hartford received $5,000 for a tractor attachment to mechanize garlic planting, while Danbury Hydroponics in Newtown received $5,000 to rent commercial kitchen space and purchase processing equipment for four new value-added products.

Enegren Farm in East Hampton received $2,700 to expand its orchard with 450 high-density apple trees, and Fairholm Farm in Woodstock received $24,999 to purchase equipment and install electricity in a poultry processing room. Gadomski Farm & Apiary in Coventry received $5,000 to construct a farmstand, while Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens in Easton received $24,999 to purchase and install a computerized system to manage irrigation and greenhouse operations.

Graces Farm in New Hartford received $3,700 for a livestock shelter, and Guardians Farm in Southbury received $18,995 to purchase a livestock trailer for rotational grazing. Harmony Sea Farm in North Stonington received $22,770 to implement FlipFarm oyster-growing equipment, and Horticulture Therapy Farm in Litchfield received $1,720 to create drying and processing systems for walnuts and maple syrup production.

Additional recipients include Grover Brook Farm in Tolland ($5,000 for cold storage shipping container), Kalenauskas Farm in Watertown ($24,999 for a walk-in freezer), Lathrop Farm in Lebanon ($49,999 to build a barn for retail and value-added production), Mailman’s Meadows in Granby ($4,660 for solar-powered fencing for sheep grazing), Mena’s Garden in Guilford ($5,000 for a high tunnel for cut flowers), and Michaud Family Farm in West Suffield ($5,000 for farmstand and event space upgrades).

Mistywood Acres in North Stonington received $5,000 for hay production equipment, Muddy Roots Farm in Meriden received $24,999 for a farm store, and New England Oyster Farm in Madison received $3,505 for solar panels on a work boat. Oracle Mushroom in South Kent received $5,000 for mushroom production equipment, Patriot Garden Flower & Herb Farm in Prospect received $2,445 for a greenhouse, and Pond View Farms in Baltic received $4,200 for glass door freezers.

Molleur’s Maple Sugarhouse in Beacon Falls received $4,975 for maple equipment, Rogers Orchards in Southington received $10,250 for vacuum distillation research, and Salinas Farm in Harwinton received $3,265 for a wether shelter. Wild Hill Farm in Deep River received $4,915 for no-till tools and value-added dried floral production, Sepe Farm in Sandy Hook received $24,999 to build a barn, and Shaggy Coos Farm in Easton received $16,610 to upgrade electrical service for dairy production.

Other grants went to Slowpoke Farm in Bloomfield ($5,000 for a high tunnel), Sperry Falls Farm in Woodbridge ($6,170 for deer fencing), Still Life Flower Farm in Canterbury ($3,690 for irrigation and season-extension supplies), Stone Agriculture in East Haddam ($24,999 for wash and pack station and cold storage), The Gardens of Our Descent Farm in Columbia ($46,910 for an on-farm poultry processing facility), High Hill Orchard in Meriden ($24,999 for a walk-in cooler), and Wineberry Farm in East Haddam ($2,350 for pasture fencing).

The awards reflect the department’s commitment to supporting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture and expanding local food systems, with nearly 80% of funds directed to beginning farmers.

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Connecticut awards record $510,000 in Farm Transition Grants