Description
The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26k) 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.
Elligibility
The following entities are eligible to apply for all Farm Transition Grant categories:
Agricultural producers, singularly or jointly, whether such producers are owners or tenants of existing agribusiness within the State of Connecticut
Agricultural cooperatives
To apply for the New Farmer Micro Grant, eligible entities must meet the following to qualify:
Apply for or possess a Farmers’ Tax Exemption Permit through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Have a 2–5-year business plan drafted
Complete and submit a crop plan
Be the operation owner
Production history of at least one full year up to three years
Tenants must include a written agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project*
To apply for the Infrastructure Investment Grant, Research and Development Grant, and Innovation and Diversification Grant eligible entities must meet the following to qualify:
Be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, if established as a limited liability corporation or incorporation
Possess a Farmers’ Tax Exemption Permit
Three years of Farmer’s tax exemption certificates are required to be provided upon request by the Department
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.
Available Funding
$500,000 annually
Length of Contracts
You will have 18 months from the time the contract is signed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or Attorney General’s office (as applicable).
Cost-share requirements?
New Farmer Micro Grant
Maximum award: $5,000
Match requirement: 25% of project costs
Infrastructure Investment Grant
Maximum award: $20,000
Match requirement: 50% of project costs
Research and Development Grant
Maximum award: $25,000
Match requirement: 40% of project costs
Innovation and Diversification Grant
Maximum award: $49,999
Match requirement: 50% of project costs
Required Documentation (prove ownership/lease arrangements)
Differs depending on the grant applying for
Contact
AliRose Grabarz