Cathy Osten

Sen. Osten Welcomes Agricultural Grants for Full Heart Farm in Ledyard & Cloverleigh Farm in Columbia

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed news that two farms in eastern Connecticut have applied for and received state agricultural grants that will help strengthen farmers who are looking to expand, diversify or improve their existing operations.

Full Heart Farm of Ledyard and Cloverleigh Farm of Columbia 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.

“Agriculture is at the heart of everything in eastern Connecticut, and these two small, family owned farms are typical of the commitment that small-scale farmers have had to our region, and to their neighbors, for centuries,” Sen. Osten said. “Fifteen years ago, most of the members of the General Assembly had the foresight to fund several new farmland and historic preservation programs, and we are still reaping those benefits today. It’s just one of the ways that the state legislature is committed to preserving our diverse and beautiful agricultural history on the state, and I’m so happy for Full Heart Farm and Cloverleigh Farm.”

In the “Innovation and Diversification” category, Full Heart Farm of Ledyard has been awarded a matching state grant for construction of a multi-purpose building and commercial kitchen. Full Heart Farm is a small, family farm in Ledyard that grows over 250 varieties of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Its produce feeds local restaurants, and through its FarmShare Program, members purchase a share of the harvest for the season and in exchange receive a selection of fresh vegetables each week.

In the “Infrastructure Investment” category, Cloverleigh Farm of Columbia has been awarded a grant to construct a propagation greenhouse. Cloverleigh Farm is a small, diverse, certified organic vegetable business that grows fresh and flavorful produce for eastern Connecticut.

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.