Grants Available to CT Farmers
Did you know that you may be eligible for grants specifically available to Connecticut farmers?
This compilation of incentives and grants is not exhaustive. Legislation and funding availability change daily. Click on hyperlinks to access websites. Please review the websites and contact the resources listed for the latest available information.
Grants for new farmers, investments in farming infrastructure, innovation, and/or research and development
Award Range: Up to $49,999
The application period for the Farm Transition Grant is currently closed. The next round of this program is anticipated for November 2025 – January 2026
Grant for administering or assisting in the development of a farm to school program
Award Range: Up to $5,000
Application period open
Organic Certification Cost-Share
USDA organic certification costs
Award Range: Up to $750
Application Period: As of July 2025, the USDA has provided funding for the Organic Cost Share Program. CT Dept. of Agriculture is awaiting further instruction from USDA on program implementation.
Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry (NCTFA)
Grant provides funding for climate smart agricultural or forestry practices
Award Range: $8,000 - $30,000
Application for 2025 is closed, pending notification for 2026 application period.
Grants to explore new concepts in sustainable agriculture
Award Range: Up to $15,000
Application for 2025 is closed but likely to be available for 2026
AFT Regenerative Livestock Farming Grant
Fund adoption of regenerative agriculture practices to support field-based conservation practice projects that improve soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitat
Award Range: Up to $10,000
Applications for 2026 will open on September 15, 2025.
Grants for conservation oriented farming practices
Award Range: Various
While applications for conservation programs are accepted year-round, applicants should apply by state-specific application dates to be considered for 2025 funding. Applications received after deadlines may automatically be deferred to the next funding period.
Federal funding designed to help small and midsized farmers recover from weather-related crop losses
Award Range: Connecticut was awarded $53m from the Farm Recovery and Support Block grant program
Application Period: Fall 2025
Land Access Grant under Public Act 25-141
Land access grant to improve farmers’ access to land
Award Range: Various
Application Period: Effective July 1, 2027
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Compensation for committing to maintaining farmland (you may get paid for giving up development rights). Protects working farmland from being developed; restore and protect wetlands
Award Range: Up to 50% of fair market value of the development rights; up to 75% if land is especially important (e.g. grasslands)
Application period open
Conservation Reserve & Wetland Programs (CRP, CREP, WRP)
Compensation for retiring land from agricultural production, providing numerous environmental benefits; restoration of wetlands
Award Range: Average annual rent of $100-$300 per acre in CT; up to 50% of costs shared; grants may cover up to 100% of wetland conservation costs
Application period open