CONNECTICUT, USA — Earlier this week, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, or CT DoAg, announced the release of initial guidance for a groundbreaking program that aims to increase farmland access and market opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers.
Connecticut is the first state in the nation to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access program.
“This program is a critical step in addressing the challenges of land access for socially disadvantaged farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “By leveraging federal funds, we’re creating new pathways for these farmers to lease or acquire land, as well as gain access to capital and markets, in line with the recommendations of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group.”
With $2.5 million in USDA funding over the next four years, the program will support a Farm Business Navigator, offer free technical assistance and establish the Connecticut Farmland Access Fund to provide grants for land purchases.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with UConn Extension, Connecticut Farmland Trust and American Farmland Trust.
Eligible applicants, including socially disadvantaged producers and agricultural cooperatives, can now submit an interest form to receive technical assistance or apply for grant funding. The CT Farmland Access Fund will begin accepting applications in early 2025.
A virtual workshop on the program will be held on Dec. 10 to provide further details. For more information, visit the LCMA Program webpage or contact Cyrena Thibodeau at 860-895-3094.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
Apple App Store: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
