Connecticut Governor Rell Announces Farm Reinvestment Grant Awards

May 27, 2007 -- Connecticut 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."

2007 Farm Reinvestment Grant Projects Receiving Funding

Rockland Valley Farms, Hebron: $40,000 for a dairy processing facility for cheeses, milk and ice cream.

Fairvue Farms, Woodstock: $40,000 for a free-stall heifer barn.

Belltown Hill Orchards, South Glastonbury: $40,000 for a fruit-packing facility.

Two Guys from Woodbridge, Hamden: $40,000 for a greenhouse facility.

Cupola Hollow Farm, West Suffield: $37,295 for a certified kitchen.

Dzen Brothers, Ellington: $37,500 for greenhouse facilities.

Halfinger Farms, Higganum: $40,000 for a packing house.

Bunnell Farm, Litchfield: $40,000 for a processing facility and commercial kitchen.

Woodhill Farm, Hampton: $39,600 for a heifer-raising facility.

Valleyside Farm, Woodstock: $40,000 for dairy manure storage.

Hillside Farm, Mansfield: $40,000 for manure storage and a covered feed area.

Scantic Valley Farm, Somers: $39,200 for a tobacco-sorting shed and berry-sorting facility.

Paleys Farm Market, Sharon: $35,775 for a greenhouse facility.

Planters’ Choice, Newtown: $40,000 for a four-bay, gutter-connected greenhouse.

Falls Village Flower Farm, Falls Village: $4,750 for a potting and propagating facility.

Geremia Greenhouse, Wallingford: $40,000 for a greenhouse facility.

Freund’s Farm, East Canaan: $40,000 for a cowpot production facility.

Lamothe’s Sugarhouse, Burlington: $36,750 for a maple syrup production facility.

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.

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.

Source: Connecticut Governor