The Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D) is pleased to announce the application period is now OPEN for our Climate Smart Agriculture Grant opportunity. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2023. This program is funded in part by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry Grant established by the Community Investment Act (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26k).
Eligible farms in business for one year or more are invited to apply for funding up to $50,000 for the implementation of energy projects (on-farm energy efficiency and renewable energy) and/or soil health equipment and practices.
CT RC&D will be hosting a live webinar on Thursday, 9/7 at 7pm to discuss the application process and answer questions. Those interested in attending can register here: tinyurl.com/climatesmartwebinar. A recording of the webinar will be available on the website for those who cannot attend it live. Questions may be emailed to Sarah Layton at slayton@ctrcd.org, and more information about CT RC&D's grant program can be found on their website: ctrcd.org/climate-smart-agriculture.
Energy-Efficiency Opportunity
Energize CT and local utilities Eversource and United Illuminating are administering a survey to collect information on energy use in Connecticut’s agricultural sector. Please be on the lookout for postcards (see image above) sent to your location. Individuals that complete the survey will receive a $50 digital gift card. The information collected in this survey will help your utility and the State of Connecticut develop energy efficiency programs to better serve farms and agribusinesses like yours.
If you received a postcard but no longer have it in your possession, please call 1-800-454-5070 to collect your unique invitation code.
Questions & Answers
How can the CT Farm Energy Program help my farm?
CT Farm Energy provides grant writing assistance to eligible AG producers and AG based rural small businesses as they apply to USDA Rural Development for REAP grants.
Are there other resources available?
Yes! The CT Farm Energy Program is a resource and clearinghouse of information to those interested in learning more about on-farm energy opportunities in CT, available programs, grant opportunities, financial incentives, loans, audits, educational opportunities and events.
How does the program benefit the state's energy use?
The CT Farm Energy Program helps farms implement energy projects and provides guidance to policy makers on energy issues.