Sen. Boucher Supports Help for Farmers

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) applauds Governor Dannel Malloy and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steven Reviczky, the two announced today that $816,706 in competitive, matching grants have been approved to expand Connecticut’s $3.5 billion agricultural industry.

The investments are made through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Transition Grant and Farm Viability Grant programs. These grants will assist farms, agricultural nonprofits, and municipalities increase production, promote Connecticut Grown products, and create jobs.

“Connecticut’s agricultural sector has enormous untapped potential,” said Governor Malloy. “The investments we are announcing today in small farms and our Regional Market are a clear sign that we can both preserve our agricultural heritage and help it expand and create jobs.”

Established in 2005, the grants protect and preserve Connecticut by supporting farm viability and preservation, agricultural infrastructure, municipal open space grants, historic preservation. Funding is generated through a $40 fee collected for the recording of documents into municipal land records. These documents include deeds, mortgages, mechanics’ liens, judgment liens, notices of lease, releases of mortgages and liens, name change certificates, notices of variances, and condominium declarations.

Grantees have one year to complete their projects and must match the award. In the 26th district The Hickories Farm in Ridgefield has been awarded a $10,500 farm transition grant for the refurbishment of old barn for agricultural programming and community-supported agriculture (CSA) education. The total project budget was $21,000.

“Our state has a rich history of farming,” said Sen. Boucher. “I was born on a farm and part of my upbringing and values originated from parents and grandparents who worked the land. These grants will enable our students to learn about that history and share that experience with the community.”

A farm viability grant was also awarded to Harbor Watch in Westport for the expansion of shoreline tracking effort to help eliminate sources of bacteria identified in 2012. Total project budget: $143,200; grant award: $38,165.

“These projects build upon the work and recommendations of the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development,” said Commissioner Reviczky. “With feedback gathered over the past year from hundreds of farmers and associated stakeholders, the council has begun shaping a long-range, strategic plan that will vitalize Connecticut agriculture—in turn increasing its existing economic contribution and creating jobs.”

To learn more visit the Farm Transition Grant and Farm Viability Grant programs and additional information is at www.CTGrown.gov.