Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CTDOAG)

Fill out the application below and submit to:
Farmland Preservation Program
Connecticut Department of Agriculture
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 703,
Hartford, CT
06103

Farmland Preservation

The traditional Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) is the primary preservation program administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Typically it is a good fit for preserving larger (>30 acres) farms that have a significant quantity of cropland and prime and important soils as defined by the United State Department of Agriculture.



Applications to the Connecticut Farmland Preservation Program are submitted voluntarily by property owners and may be considered by the Commissioner of Agriculture following an evaluation based on objective scoring criteria. The criteria utilized to score applications include: 
1. Acres of cropland
2. Crop yields per acre
3. Quantity of land classified as having prime and important farmland soils
4. Percentage of cropland that contains prime and important farmland soils
5. Methods of marketing commodities produced on the farm
6. Amount of other active farmland located in proximity to the farm 
7. Agricultural support services available in proximity to the farm 
8. Protection of the farm must be consistent with the State Conservation and Development Policies Plan for the State Of Connecticut
9. Intensive development near the farm and an excessive cost of development rights acquisition negatively affect the score, and 
10. For protection projects involving USDA Agricultural Land Easement funds, farms may not have more than 67% non-cropland and must have at least 50% prime or important soils.

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

Succession

Legal & Finance

How the Program Works
1. Landowners may apply to the program voluntarily.
2. The application is evaluated according to state regulation criteria. If the farm meets minimum scoring criteria, the Commissioner may accept the application. 
3. Configuration of the application and specifics of the easement are negotiated and agreed to by the land owner and Commissioner of Agriculture. 
4. The farm is appraised for the unrestricted market value and the market agricultural value, the difference between the two indicating the value of the development rights. 
5. The appraisals are reviewed by the Commissioner who may negotiate anywhere from a gift of, to the full value of the development rights.
6. An agreement letter is presented from the Commissioner to the land owner representing the agreed upon price. The letter is reviewed and approved by the Attorney General.
7. A detailed report is submitted to the State Properties Review Board for review and approval. 
8. A notice of application is filed with the town clerk of the town where the farm is located.
9. Funds are acquired for the acquisition, and an A-2 survey, title insurance, and title search are obtained.
10. Upon completion of due diligence, the conveyance of development rights deed is executed and a check for the development rights acquisition processed. After all the documents are approved by the Attorney General, a closing is held and the documents and maps are recorded in the local land records and with the Secretary of State.
11. Department of Agriculture staff on an annual basis will reach out to the land owners to conduct stewardship reports and visits.

Apply at the appropriate link below:
- New Farmer Micro Grant Cognito Form Application Link 
- Infrastructure Investment Grant Cognito Form Application Link 
- Research and Development Grant Cognito Form Application Link
- Innovation and Diversification Grant Cognito Form Application Link

A complete application includes: 
1. Applicant Information (Appendix A) entered on the Cognito Form link 
2. Budget Form (Appendix B) added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link 
3. Grant narrative (Appendix C) added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link 
4. Conceptual drawings, estimates/quotes, production information, etc added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link

Jaime Smith

Mark Hood

The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program for Connecticut farmers&#x2004;and agricultural cooperatives to support the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. **_Please be aware: This is a reimbursement grant._**

The FTG will look different this year as it has been updated to better serve the CT agricultural industry to include supporting new and beginning farmers to research and development for farm business expansion.



The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program for Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives to support the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. Please be aware: This is a reimbursement grant.
The FTG will look different this year as it has been updated to better serve the CT agricultural industry to include supporting new and beginning farmers to research and development for farm business expansion.

The following entities are eligible to apply for all Farm Transition Grant categories: 
1. Agricultural producers, singularly or jointly, whether such producers are owners or tenants of existing agribusiness within the State of Connecticut 
2. Agricultural cooperatives To qualify for the New Farmer Micro Grant, eligible entities must meet the following to qualify: 
    a. Apply for or possess a Farmers’ Tax Exemption Permit through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services 
    b. Have a 2-5-year business plan drafted 
    c. Complete a crop plan 
    d. Be the operation owner and have been in production for a year or more 
    e. Tenants must include a written agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project
To qualify for the Infrastructure Investment Grant, Research and Development Grant, and Innovation and Diversification Grant eligible entities must meet the following: 
- Be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, if established as a limited liability corporation or incorporation 
- Possess a Farmer’s Tax Exemption Permit 
- Have submitted a Schedule F, Form 1120S, Form 1065, or Schedule C for the previous three years 
- Tenants must include a long term written lease agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project. 
Previous awardees to the Farm Transition Grant can reapply. 
Past awards and corresponding project completion will be taken into consideration when evaluating applications. 
Applicants who have an open agreement and a project in progress are ineligible to apply. 

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Grant Application Guidelines and Forms
- 2021 Farm Transition Grant Appendix B: Budget Fillable Form in Excel format
- 2021 Farm Transition Grant Appendix C: Grant Narrative Fillable Form in Word Format

Marketing

Local Food

Food Systems

Match Requirement, Expenses, & Payment: 
All eligible expenses funded by any Farm Transition Grant program must advance farming and agriculture as defined by Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-1(q). 
All grant categories have a cash match requirement of which the percentage necessary varies. The cash match requirement for each program can be self-financed, bank-financing, or provided through another grant (federal, state, or otherwise). If a grant is providing the match, the applicant must disclose the grantor, the grant name, and amount awarded. A three-year profit and loss statement and current profit and loss must be provided. 
The Farm Transition Grant must be paid directly to the applicant. 
The following expenses cannot be used as a match and will not be funded by any grant category: 
- Any expense incurred prior to contract execution 
- Land acquisition/mortgages 
- Cost of borrowing (points and other fees) 
- Expenses related to establishing a new organization/business 
- Any portion of expense for which the applicant pays a contractor in merchandise or service in lieu of cash 
- Tuition/tuition reimbursement or career-related/scholarship funds 
- Routine business expenses (utilities, office supplies, etc.) 
- Disposable supplies (office, farm, otherwise) unrelated to the project 
- Legal expenses related to litigation 
- Indirect or contingency costs of any percentage 
The following expenses are an acceptable match if they directly and meaningfully support the proposed project: 
- Employee salaries and fringe benefits paid to execute the project 
- State/local/federal permits 
- Attorneys’ fees (not related to litigation) 
- Consumable or disposable supplies 
Eligible expenses by grant category can be found on page 4. The eligibility of general-purpose equipment will be reviewed based on grant category and project usage. 
These are reimbursement grants. Incomplete projects cannot be fully reimbursed. 
A reimbursement of 50% of the award can be provided to the New Farmer Micro Grant awardees during the project work, with the remaining 50% of the award reimbursed upon project completion. Receipts with proof of payment to justify the first 50% of the award must be provided. 
Project Duration & Post Award Requirements 
Projects must be completed within 18 months of contract execution. Contract and project extensions are not allowed.
Applicants of awarded projects will be responsible for the following: 
1. Signing an agreement with the State of Connecticut 
2. Providing a Certificate of Insurance holding the state harmless or listing the state as an additional insured on the grantee’s liability insurance policy 
3. Completing the project within the contractual timeframe
4. Submitting a final project report in the required format per the executed contract 
5. Submitting a final financial report itemizing actual expenses. Copies of invoices and proof of payment must be submitted with the payment request at the conclusion of the project 
6. Agreeing to a site inspection once the project is complete and prior to final payment being released 
7. Other requirements as outlined in the State of Connecticut contract 
Grantees will have additional training on requirements once contracts are executed.


1. Review the grant application guidelines
2. Fill out the application cover page and budget forms in detail per the guidelines
3. Develop your business/project plan per the information provided in the guidelines
4. Submit the completed forms and business/project plan by email by the deadline 

The Farm Reinvestment Grants provides matching funds to Connecticut farms to expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms through projects with a lifespan of 10 years or more. The Farm Reinvestment Grant is funded through bond authorizations of the State of Connecticut. 


Below are&#x2004;funding priorities of the Farm Reinvestment Grant as they directly relate and respond to enhancing existing agricultural operations and provide a stimulus to the local and state economies.

1. Constructing new agricultural production facilities for existing farms;

2. Projects which dramatically improve the operation’s cash flow;

3. Diversification into new production areas;

4. Expansion of existing production facilities via capital improvements;

5. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure to adapt to climatic changes;

6. Investing in infrastructure for existing and emerging food safety requirements. 



The Farm Reinvestment Grants provides matching funds to Connecticut farms to expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms through projects with a lifespan of 10 years or more. The Farm Reinvestment Grant is funded through bond authorizations of the State of Connecticut. 

Below are funding priorities of the Farm Reinvestment Grant as they directly relate and respond to enhancing existing agricultural operations and provide a stimulus to the local and state economies.
1. Constructing new agricultural production facilities for existing farms;
2. Projects which dramatically improve the operation’s cash flow;
3. Diversification into new production areas;
4. Expansion of existing production facilities via capital improvements;
5. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure to adapt to climatic changes;
6. Investing in infrastructure for existing and emerging food safety requirements. 

The following entities are eligible to apply for the Farm Reinvestment Grant:
1. Agricultural producers, singularly or jointly, whether such producers are owners or tenants of existing agricultural production facilities located within the State of Connecticut;
To qualify for the Farm Reinvestment Grant the applicant must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, possess a Farmer’s Tax Exemption Permit, have submitted a Schedule F, Form 1120S, or Schedule C for the previous three years.
Prior grantees may apply for a Farm Reinvestment Grant. However, past awards and corresponding project completion will be taken into consideration.

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Infrastructure

Public Health

Compliance

Is there an applicant match involved? 

Yes, a 50% cash match, or a 1:1 match, must be provide by the applicant. This means if your total project has a cost of $20,000 the applicant must provide at least $10,000 and a maximum of $10,000 could be awarded by the FTG.

If I apply by the deadline does it mean I'll be funded?

No. This is a very competitive grant program. Applications are evaluated by a team of reviewers and is primarily based on the business/project plan. More information on the evaluation criteria can be found in the application guidelines.        

How is the grant money paid to someone who's been awarded? 

Grant funds are paid after the project is successfully completed, a final financial report outlining all expenses associated with the project have been received and approved, a final project report has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted.  For any building a certificate of occupancy must be obtained as well. 

A complete application includes: 
- Budget Form added as an attachment. Click here to download form.
- Completion of the Grant Narrative. Click here to download form.
- Conceptual drawings, official estimates/quotes, and other budget justification items can be added as an attachment.
- Completed W9 and Vendor Forms. Click here to download the forms.
- For Non-Profits: A copy of your Federal Tax Exemption Letter must be added as an attachment.

The completed application must be submitted online through the Connecticut DoAg portal.

The Farm Viability Grant (FVG) is a competitive matching grant program open to municipalities, regional planning organizations, associations of municipalities, and agricultural non-profits. The maximum grant award is $49,999. **Please be aware this is a reimbursement grant.**




The Farm Viability Grant (FVG) is a competitive matching grant program open to municipalities, regional planning organizations, associations of municipalities, and agricultural non-profits. The maximum grant award is $49,999. Please be aware this is a reimbursement grant.


The following entities are eligible to apply for the Farm Viability Grant: 
1. Municipalities with a current Plan of Conservation and Development 
2. Regional councils of governments organized under the provisions of sections 4-124i to 4-124p, inclusive 
3. Groups of municipalities that have established a regional inter-local agreement pursuant to sections 7-339a to 7-339l, inclusive 
4. Agricultural non-profit organizations 

To qualify for the Farm Viability Grant as a non-profit, the non-profit must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State and provide a copy of the federal IRS exemption letter. Nonprofits must have submitted Form 990 and been in existence for the previous three years. 

Prior grantees may reapply for a Farm Viability Grant. However, open awards, past awards, and corresponding project completion and outcomes will be taken into consideration.

NEW: Starting in November 2020, applicants which have received two years of consecutive funding will be ineligible for an award for one year. Applicants can reapply for funding after taking a year hiatus. For example: 
- 2019: Project awarded 
- 2020: Project awarded 
- 2021: Ineligible for an award 
- 2022: Eligible for an award 

All projects which focus on a farmers’ market, must pertain to a Certified Connecticut Grown Farmers’ Market for the full duration of the project to be eligible.

- 2022 Farm Viability Grant Guidelines
- 2022 Farm Viability Grant Fillable Budget Form in Excel Format
- 2022 Farm Viability Grant Fillable Grant Narrative Form in Word Format
- W-9 Form
- State Vendor Form
- Grant Webinar PowerPoint Slides
- Recorded Grant Webinar


Matching funds from the applicant must be a minimum of 40% of the total cost of the project budget; this must be clearly outlined in the application. The match can consist of in-kind and/or cash contributions directly associated with the project. All match expenses must be clearly documented and justified. 

After the issuance of a purchase order, one cash advance of up to 50% of the total grant award may be requested by the grantee. The balance of the award will be reimbursed upon project completion and submission of required documents. 

Submit your completed Application to Agr.Grants@ct.gov prior to the deadline.
Application Process:
1. A farmer may apply to the program voluntarily, by completing the FLRP application. 
2. Applicant should review program ‘Checklist for application to FLRP’ to assure application is complete and in order for consideration. 
3. Applicant with an existing NRCS conservation plan which addresses the farmland restoration should include a copy of approved plan/contract with the application. 
4. The application will also include site map, soils map (available from the USDA Web Soil Survey or another source which disseminates the official USDA soils information) and photos of the area to be restored, conservation/restoration practices, and price estimates of the work to be conducted. 
5. Submitted FLRP Application is evaluated according to program criteria. If the application meets acceptable criteria, the Commissioner may accept and approve the application. 
6. Upon application approval, NCCD will be asked to prepare a FLRP Plan, or the applicant may contact NRCS to prepare a conservation plan which will include a plan for the farmland restoration area. Upon review of the FLRP plan or the NRCS conservation plan a letter will be sent from the Commissioner to the applicant notifying them of application approval. 
7. All conservation plans must address the farmland restoration plan area. These plans and the specific conservation / restoration practices and activities are then approved by the Commissioner and FLRP funding can be requested. 
8. A State of Connecticut contract must be completed by you and approved by us prior to any work being performed 
9. All federal, state and local permits and any fees are the responsibility of the applicant. 
10. The project work may then be initiated and completed. 
11. Upon completion, all required documentation including a detailed performance log, project payment receipts, and a completion affidavit (see ‘Checklist for disbursement of FLRP funds) must be submitted. Once a final site inspection verifying the project has been completed in accordance with the plan, a FLRP payment request can be processed. 
12. There is no advancement of funds under this grant program. Payment check can only be requested and processed for disbursement once project certified as complete with all required documentation.

Eileen Underwood

The Farmland Restoration Program (FLRP), made possible by Public Act 11-1, is a voluntary program with a main objective of increasing food and fiber production in Connecticut through restoring lands into active agricultural production.  FLRP focuses on restoring and improving land with prime and important farmland soils, in accordance with a Farmland Restoration Program Plan (FLRP Plan).




Owners and tenants/lessees/permittees, with owner(s) approval, of Connecticut farmland are eligible for the program.

- About the Program
- FAQs
- Application Checklist
- Farmland Restoration Program Cost Summary Table 
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Wetlands Protection in CT 
- NRCS Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Compliance Guide
- Web Soil Survey: How to get a soil map and soil information
- Required Applicant Forms: W9, Vendor, Nondiscrimination, etc.  
- Affidavit of Completion
- Direct Deposit Form
- Program Application Process Flowchart

Conservation

A 50% match for the total project must be provided by the applicant. The match can be cash, in-kind services, or a combination of the two.

The grant will be provided after the project is successfully completed, a final financial report (and forms) outlining all expenses associated with the project have been received and approved, and a final project report has been received and approved.

Apply online at this link, and have the below documents ready:
- A copy of your National Organic Program Certificate of Compliance (from accredited certifier)
- A copy of your paid receipt/invoice for Organic Certification (from accredited certifier)
- Completed W-9 Form & SP-26 Form 
Applicants are required to use direct deposit for their reimbursement. Submit a blank voided check AND one of the following Vendor Direct Deposit ACH Forms: 
- Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form - Individual (available here by hyperlink OR 
- Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form – Company (available here by hyperlink) 
to the Office of State Comptroller. If your business entity is an Individual/Sole Proprietor use the “Individual” form. Other business entities use the “Company” form.


Alison Grabarz

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is applying for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) Grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Through this grant, Connecticut certified organic growers and processors can be reimbursed part of the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification. A list of certified organic growers and processors is available through USDA’s Organic INTEGRITY Database at <https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity>.

The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.



The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is applying for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) Grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Through this grant, Connecticut certified organic growers and processors can be reimbursed part of the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification. A list of certified organic growers and processors is available through USDA’s Organic INTEGRITY Database at https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity.
The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, a producer or handler must have paid fees/expenses related to certification under the National Organic Program between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. An eligible producer or handler must provide the following information to CT DOAG to apply for reimbursement through the OCCSP:
- Evidence that the operation has a valid organic certification under the National Organic Program at the time of applying
- An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024
- A completed State Agency application for producers or handlers located within the State
- A W-9 Tax Form (for first-time applicants)
- A State Vendor Form (for first-time applicants)
- An ACH Direct Deposit form (for first-time applicants)


- List of Certified Organic Growers
- National OCCSP Program Details

Research

The amount reimbursed will be 50%, up to $500, of the certification cost paid between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.


Read the Guidance document carefully to prepare your application. 
All submissions are required to be received via email by 4:00 p.m. on June 27th, 2022, to Rebecca Eddy at AGR.grants@ct.gov.Once your application is received, a confirmation email will be sent. 
A complete application includes: 
1. Application Cover Page 
2. Budget Form 
3. Project Profile Template (in MS .doc or .docx format only) 
4. Optional letters of support. 

Rebecca Eddy

The Connecticut Department of Agricultural is soliciting applications whose project specifically addresses the goals the USDA has for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The goals of a submitted project must enhance the competitiveness of United States specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey), and nursery crops (including&#x2004;floriculture). A complete list of eligible and ineligible specialty crops can be found on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program website: [www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp](http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp). 

The USDA is the funding entity and has the final approval of projects. Prior to the USDA’s approval, CT DoAg will conduct an administrative review for completeness and a confidential review panel of industry representatives will make award recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture. The USDA will make the final award decisions. 



The Connecticut Department of Agricultural is soliciting applications whose project specifically addresses the goals the USDA has for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The goals of a submitted project must enhance the competitiveness of United States specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey), and nursery crops (including floriculture). A complete list of eligible and ineligible specialty crops can be found on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program website: www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. 
The USDA is the funding entity and has the final approval of projects. Prior to the USDA’s approval, CT DoAg will conduct an administrative review for completeness and a confidential review panel of industry representatives will make award recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture. The USDA will make the final award decisions. 

The following entities are eligible to apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant:
- Universities/colleges
- Municipalities
- Registered nonprofits
- State agencies
- Council of Governments

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plantain

Plumcots

Plums

Pomegranates

Prunes

Pummelo

Raisins

Rambutan

Sapodilla

Sapote

Schizandra Berries

Soursop

Sprite Melon

Star Fruit

Star Gooseberry

Strawberries

Sugar Apple

Tangelos

Tangerines

Tangors

Wampee

Watermelon

Wax Jamboo Fruit

Winter Melon

Apiary

Anise

Basil

Cassava

Chia

Cinnamon

Ground Cherry

- 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Guidance

Funding priorities for 2022 are as follows: 
- Strengthening and improving food systems, including CT Grown value-added processing for expanded availability of CT Grown foods year-round 
- Improving food security and/or implementing food safety requirements 
- Research and development on controlled environment agriculture production systems and/or preparation for and adapting to climate change to strengthen Connecticut food production

List of Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CTDOAG) Funding Opportunities