Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives with an approved restoration and climate-resilience plan can apply for matching grants of up to $100,000, with applications due Nov. 23 at 4 p.m.
The Department of Agriculture's Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency & Preparedness grant page lists an office-hours session for Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. The funding is intended to pay for approved practices identified in a farm's plan.
Examples include irrigation and water management, soil improvements, erosion control, composting systems, fencing and wells. The department also lists silvopasture, a way of managing trees and grazing livestock together.
The required match is 10% and can be provided in cash or through eligible in-kind contributions, according to the program page. Applicants should use the department's guidance to determine how that contribution is calculated and which expenses qualify.
An approved Farmland Restoration and Climate Resiliency Plan is a condition of this funding opportunity. The program page separates the plan-development process from the grant that pays to carry out approved work.
The department links to application guidance and a separate application section. Farmers should review those materials before committing to project expenses; the maximum award is a ceiling for eligible projects, rather than a payment promised to every applicant.