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The funds will help working farmers across the state expand or improve their operations as part of a 10-year business plan. The program offers matching grants of up to $40,000 that will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. “Now more than ever, our investment in Connecticut farms is critical to sustaining our food supply,” Governor Rell said. “Grocery bills are getting higher all the time as gas and diesel prices rise. It makes good economic sense for families to take advantage the quality products produced right here on Connecticut farms.” Department of Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli said grants will be awarded to farms that have sound long-range programs. Farmers approved for the program must either match or exceed the grant amount and have one year to complete their projects. “We need to keep our farms viable,” Commissioner Prelli said. “For such a small state, agriculture is big business and contributes more than $2 billion a year to Connecticut’s economy.” The diversity of Connecticut agriculture has been essential to its sustainability over the years. There are fewer farms, but the ones remaining are larger. Part-time farmers make up one of the fastest growing segments and have become increasingly diverse. According to the most recent state Agriculture statistics, Connecticut is: · No. 1 in New England in nursery and greenhouse sales; pear production, milk production per cow; cut Christmas tree sales; aquaculture; tobacco acreage; and egg-laying chickens per square mile. · No. 1 in the U.S. in density of horses and egg-laying hens · In top 10 in U.S. in oysters · In top 20 in U.S. in pears, maple trees, wild blueberries, tobacco production The reinvestment program has helped Connecticut farmers expand dairy operations, add and renovate greenhouses, build fruit packing facilities, upgrade processing plants and maple sugar operations. “Connecticut farmers have faced tough economic times for decades,” Governor Rell said. “But they are resilient and resourceful and we are so grateful for that. We owe it to them and to future farming generations to keep programs like this available.” © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Dan Zanes is bringing his family music show to Ridgefield - Sep 8, 2008 - 12:34:21 AM Fall family fun at Hill-Stead’s Hay Day - Sep 4, 2008 - 6:05:32 AM Agatha Christie masterpiece opens Curtain Call season - Sep 2, 2008 - 3:57:21 PM Pumpkin Patch weekends offered in October at SM&NC - Sep 1, 2008 - 6:26:30 PM PBS documentary chronicles road to success for Los Lonely Boys - Aug 27, 2008 - 7:23:08 AM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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