CT DoAg announces grant opportunity to support diversification and growth of Connecticut’s agricultural businesses

Applications must be received no later than January 12, 2026

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.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top November events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our links for Connecticut merch by town!

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.

Don’t miss

• Keeler Tavern Museum’s Holiday Boutique in the Barn opens on November 20
• The Edge Fitness Clubs unveils new infrared yoga studio and expanded amenity lineup in Fairfield
• The Great Trains Show returns to the Wilton Historical Society

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November events at Fairfield Theatre Company

November at Fairfield Theatre Company is packed with a diverse lineup of events, from live music and tribute shows to film and community gatherings. Highlights include Kelsey Waldon on November 1, Color Me Obsessed: A Film about The Replacements and The Monet plays Jamiroquai on the 2nd, Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez on the 4th, Brian Dolzani as the Loner: The Music of Neil Young on the 6th, and the FTC Encore Gala on the 8th. The month also features performances by Zoso, Paul Bogaev, Mike Farris, Tropidelic, Black Flag, Mary Fahl, Shemekia Copeland, Marshall Crenshaw, The Jayhawks, and more, including multi-night appearances from Reid Genauer Soloand festive events like Funksgiving. With something for every taste, November at FTC offers music, film, and seasonal celebrations for the whole community.

November 2025 calendar of events
11/8 – FTC Encore Gala
11/9 – Zoso
11/10 – An Evening with Paul Bogaev
11/12 – Randye Kaye
11/12 – Mike Farris
11/13 – FTC Short Film Festival
11/13 – Tropidelic
11/14 – Black Flag
11/14 -Mary Fahl
11/15 – A Night of Music
11/15 -Shemekia Copeland
11/16 – 399 Forever
11/16 – The Strange Dark
11/19 – Marshall Crenshaw
11/20 – The Arcadian Wild
11/21 – The Jayhawks
11/21 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/22 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/23 – Reid Genauer Solo
11/24 -Funksgiving
11/28 – Jake Swamp & The Pine
11/28 – Mullett
11/29 – Faster Things

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

November events at PeoplesBank Arena

11/7 – UMass Lowell vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/8 – Playboi Carti, click here to purchase tickets
11/13 – Bert Kreischer, click here to purchase tickets
11/14 – Rochester Americans vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/15 – Laval Rocket vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/16 – Ohio State vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/18 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/21 – Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/22 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
11/23 – Bryan vs UConn Mens Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
11/25 – Stonehill College vs UConn Ice Hockey, click here to purchase tickets
11/26 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

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