State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today welcomed news that farms in East Haddam and Moodus have applied for and received state agricultural grants that will help strengthen farmers who are looking to expand, diversify or improve their existing operations.
ACRE Farm DBA Four Root Farm of East Haddam and Walden Farm of Moodus were part of a package of 24 farm grants totaling nearly $500,000 in matching state grants announced today by state Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt as part of that department’s Farm Transition Grant program.
“This is an example of the benefits of foresight, as 15 years ago, the General Assembly acted to fund farmland and historic preservation programs, and today, our communities continue to benefit from them,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud that ACRE Farm and Walden Farm are among the recipients of this important grant to benefit their operations.”
In the “Farmer Grant” category, Walden Farm has been awarded a grant to allow for the purchase of equipment to allow for better irrigation of crops. Walden Farm offers a variety of crops including vegetables and fruit as well as fresh eggs.
In the “Infrastructure Investment” category, ACRE Farm DBA Four Root Farm has been awarded a grant to drill and construct a new well to support increased vegetable crop production. The Four Root Farm is a small and diverse farm dedicated to growing organic vegetables and cut flowers.
The Farm Transition Grant Program is a competitive matching grant program with state funding provided through a public act passed 16 years ago, in 2005, titled “An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Land Protection, Affordable Housing, and Historic Preservation.” State grant funds are reimbursed to the farm after its project is successfully completed, and a final financial and written report outlining all expenses and tasks associated with the project has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted.
Connecticut is home to more than 5,500 farms contributing more than $4 billion to the state’s economy.