Let it Grow – Farmers Get a Boost from State

Hartford, CT – Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) is pleased to announce more than 40 farms, agricultural non-profits and municipalities including several in Woodstock and one in Vernon will be receiving money from the state. The funding totaling $880,327 is part of an ongoing effort to expand Connecticut’s growing agricultural economy.

“Supporting agriculture in Connecticut has been part of the fabric of who we are,” said Sen. Guglielmo. “ The history in our state behind the farming industry goes back generations. We should be encouraging a new era of farming and making sure the industry thrives.”

In the north east corner of Connecticut several entities will be getting grants. They include:

• North Central Conservation District, Vernon – Installation of seasonal high tunnel and greenhouse at Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institute in Somers. Total project budget: $98,138; Grant: $49,370
• May Hill Farm, Woodstock – Increase milk production through purchase of a Lely Juno Feed Pusher. Total project budget: $16,500; Grant: $8,250
• Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock – Expansion of winery through construction of a covered external grape crush pad, wine storage building and automated bottling room.
• Total project budget: $321,000; Grant: $49,999

Funding comes from the Agriculture Department’s Farm Transition Grant and Farm Viability Grant programs, designed to increase farm production, promote Connecticut Grown products and create jobs. The funding – which requires a match from the grantee – will leverage nearly $2.4 million in investments.

The grants were awarded on a competitive basis and a match must be supplied by the applicant. Grantees have up to one year to complete their project, according to the terms of their contract.
Funding is not limited to producers. Non-profit organizations and municipalities also are eligible, and may use the grants for town or regional planning purposes provided that agricultural components are involved. The Department of Agriculture plans to open up the grant-application period again in November.

For more information on these grants, please visit the Department’s website at www.ct.gov/doag/. Click on: “Programs and Services” and then: “Agriculture Viability Grants.”