Connecticut farmers making long-term improvements to their operations are looking to approval of $500,000 in grant funds when the State Bond Commission meets July 13. Governor M. Jodi Rell has approved the measure, which would be awarded through the state Department of Agriculture’s Farm Reinvestment Grant Program.
Farmers who expand or improve their operations as part of a 10-year business plan and who complete the project within the year may qualify for matching grants of up to $40,000.
The grant awards provide seed money for projects that "enhance existing agricultural operations."
Projects may improve the farms’ operations cash flow, create new jobs, and expand municipal grand lists. Approved projects have included farm expansion through the greenhouse construction, new dairy facilities, cheese production facilities, commercial kitchens, wine processing and fruit and vegetable packing facilities.
It is anticipated that the $500,000 will be leveraged with more than $1.5 million in farmers’ funds for more than $2 million in total projects.
