Land and Environment

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• Grants and Loans

  The state lists grants and loans available from the Department of Agriculture that include grants for farm transitions and controlling a feral cat population.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• FarmLink

  Experienced farmers seeking to pass on their land and individuals interested in farming but with no land can connect on FarmLink. The goal of the state program is to keep valuable farmland in production.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Farm to Chef

  Diners with a taste for Connecticut-grown foods can find a list of restaurants and other facilities that serve food grown in the state. Restaurant owners and food service professionals interested in featuring local produce on their menus also can connect with growers and food distributors.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Inspection and Regulation Contacts

  Members of the public concerned about the enforcement of laws connected to milk safety and with domestic animal control, population control, importation and health issues, as well as rabies and West Nile Virus containment, can find contact information for employees in those areas.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Hartford Regional Market

  Located at 101 Reserve Road in Hartford, the 32-acre regional market is a central location for farmers and wholesalers to sell and distribute food and other agricultural products. Fresh products are delivered daily and the market is open to shoppers throughout the year.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Farmland Preservation Program

  Agriculture is one of the state's most vital businesses. To protect this industry, the Department of Agriculture (DOAG) offers a voluntary program that preserves farmland by placing a permanent restriction on all non-agricultural usage. Get more information about how the program works and read about the application process.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Farmers’ Markets

  Residents seeking fresh, locally grown produce can find a list of the more than 100 farmers' markets across the state. A crop availability calendar lets shoppers know what produce is available during a particular season.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• CT Grown Meat Producers

  The state has compiled a list of livestock farms where residents can buy turkey, beef, lamb, veal, pork, chicken, goat, eggs and bison. Different farms offer different products and the selection can vary throughout the year.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Animal Control

  The Department of Agriculture's (DOAG) Animal Control Division investigates property damage, injury and nuisance caused by dogs. Information is provided about dog licensing requirements, canine health and rabies control. The division also rehabilitates animals that have been victims of ongoing cruelty.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Small Poultry Processors Inspection Program

  Those who plan to operate small poultry slaughter facilities must apply for an inspection by the state Department of Agriculture. These facilities currently are exempt from regular oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Farm to School

  School systems can sign up to serve more state-produced fruits, vegetables, protein and milk products in their cafeterias and for snacks through the Farm to School program.  Farmers in the program gain new markets and children have access to fresher, more healthful foods.   

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Export Assistance Program

  Farmers interested in exporting some of their products can explore the possibilities through the state's Export Assistance Program, which includes programs that explain the export business, how to select a promising market for goods and ways to promote the product once the market is selected. 

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• CT Grown

  Consumers can learn where they can buy state-grown produce, pick their own fruits and vegetables, find farmers' markets, farm stands and agricultural fairs; and consult a calendar listing when crops are available.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Aquaculture Licenses

  Those in the shellfishing industry who need commercial, municipal and special study-related licenses can find the requirements and applications for licenses.

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

• Risk Management Crop Insurance Program

  State farmers could be eligible for federally-subsidized crop insurance through the Connecticut Farm Risk Management and Crop Insurance Program.  Members of the Department of Agriculture and the University of Connecticut administer the program. 

  Agency: Connecticut Department of Agriculture