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Governor M. Jodi Rell
today announced state investments in agriculture totaling $710,000,
awarded through the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Reinvestment Grant
Program.
The program is designed
to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut’s agricultural
producers through long-term capital-fixed-asset and diversification
projects. This year, 18 producers are being awarded the matching
grants, which will be used to expand or improve existing farms in
accordance with a 10-year business plan.
“Agriculture is an
essential component of Connecticut’s economy, contributing $2.2 billion
annually to our state,” said Governor Rell. “This grant program
provides funds to established agricultural businesses having sound
long-range plans, helping to ensure that they will continue to fuel our
state’s economy in the future.”
Approved projects
include farm expansion through the building of greenhouses, dairy
facilities, equine enterprises, cheese processing facilities, commercial
kitchens, and fruit and vegetable packing facilities. There is even a
“cow pot” production facility being funded, to enhance the production of
platners made from cow manure.
According to Ron Olsen,
Program Manager for the Department of Agriculture, the grant awards
provide seed money to enhance existing agricultural operations and to
stimulate local and state economies, through building of agricultural
facilities and creation of some construction-related jobs. In addition,
the projects improve the farms’ operations cash flow, further
strengthening the economy, creating new jobs, and expanding municipal
grand lists.
“These capital grants
will assist existing farms in increasing their production, and will
further agriculture in our state,” said F. Philip Prelli, Connecticut
Commissioner of Agriculture. “These grants are part of our continued
commitment to invest in the future of our state’s farms”
The grantees will
have up to one year to complete the project, according to the terms of
their contract. The Department of Agriculture’s share of the budget is
capped at $40,000, and the applicant must provide matching funds that
meet or exceed the grant award. |
