Agriculture Grants

The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is a competitive matching grant program designed to support Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives in advancing their operations. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program funds projects aimed at diversification, transitioning to value-added production, and market development for locally grown products. The grant requires measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress beyond the applicant’s current status. For the 2025 grant cycle, applications are open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with awards announced by February 21, 2025. Projects are expected to begin in March or April 2025, depending on the size of the award. The FTG offers four funding categories tailored to meet different agricultural needs. The New Farmer Micro Grant provides up to $5,000 for individuals with 1–3 years of production history, requiring a 25% cash match. The Infrastructure Investment Grant allocates up to $25,000 for farmers with at least three years of production history to expand or diversify operations, with a 50% match required. The Research and Development Grant funds up to $25,000 for exploring new products, services, or markets, requiring a 40% match. Finally, the Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to $49,999 for implementing new products or services that expand business operations, with a 25% match requirement. Each applicant may submit only one project per grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be for-profit farm businesses in Connecticut. Nonprofit organizations are excluded but may apply to other programs offered by the Department of Agriculture. Applications must include a comprehensive description of the project, demonstrate alignment with grant goals, and comply with the specified match requirements. Certain costs, such as land acquisition, routine business expenses, and previously incurred expenses, are ineligible for funding or as matches. To assist applicants, the Department of Agriculture will host a Farm Transition Grant Overview Webinar and virtual office hours on December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, providing opportunities for applicants to ask questions and refine their submissions. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the grant’s online platform, accompanied by required documentation, such as budget details, quotes, and landlord consent forms if the project is on leased land. The Farm Transition Grant prioritizes projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, with a special focus on supporting historically underserved farmers and veterans. For additional information, applicants can contact Alison Grabarz at [email protected] or visit the program’s website. This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Connecticut farmers to advance their operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations to remove and manage invasive tree species like Tree of Heaven or Bradford Pear on public lands or open spaces.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 for organizations to implement urban forestry projects in underserved communities, enhancing green spaces and environmental quality on public lands.

This grant provides financial assistance to New Castle County residents for the removal of hazardous ash trees on public land, requiring a matching contribution and a commitment to replace removed trees with suitable species.

This funding opportunity provides support to U.S. colleges and universities to enhance the resilience and productivity of Ukraine's dairy sector through technical assistance and collaboration with a local partner.

This program provides funding to local governments, Indian tribes, and individuals for water management projects that deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits in Oregon.

This grant provides financial support to Iowa businesses and farmers for projects that increase the use of local agricultural products, create jobs, and promote long-term economic growth in the farming sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland farmers and agricultural organizations for innovative practices that improve soil health and promote agroforestry initiatives.

This grant provides funding to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and workforce training, particularly in rural and tobacco-dependent communities.

This program provides funding to Texas agencies, universities, and organizations to improve the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry through innovative projects that benefit the broader community.

This program provides financial support to new farmers in New York State to help them establish and grow sustainable agricultural businesses.

This initiative provides $4.1 million to Tribal Colleges and Universities to develop innovative, student-led projects that combine clean energy solutions with sustainable food practices, empowering students and enhancing food sovereignty on Tribal lands.

This grant provides funding for researchers and outreach professionals to develop innovative solutions addressing critical pests and diseases affecting California's winegrape industry.

This grant provides over $8 million to U.S.-based individuals and organizations for innovative projects that combine solar energy systems with cattle grazing to promote sustainable land use and support rural economies.

This funding opportunity is designed to support businesses, organizations, and individuals in Vermont working to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through various projects that benefit multiple stakeholders in the agricultural community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local or tribal governments in New York State to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research, development, and education initiatives.

This program provides funding to Detroit-based community groups, including block clubs and nonprofits, to enhance neighborhood spaces through projects like gardens and clean-up efforts.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that restore and enhance urban forested areas and riparian corridors, focusing on improving ecosystem health and resilience.

This grant provides financial support to Vermont-based farms and forest businesses to improve their infrastructure, expand market reach, and enhance workforce development, fostering a sustainable working landscape economy.

This award recognizes and honors a South Dakota farmer who has significantly contributed to the production and promotion of specialty crops, encouraging innovation and mentorship within the local agricultural community.