CT Agriculture Department Creates Racial Diversity Working Group

DANBURY, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes are collaborating to bring some more diversity to Connecticut's farm houses.

Lamont joined Hayes and Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt on Wednesday to announce the formation of a working group with the goal of "increasing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion" within the state's farming industry.

"We want this working group to collaborate on the barriers that prevent people from entering this sector and create recommendations for what the state and agriculture service providers can do to better support diversity and inclusion within Connecticut's agricultural community," Lamont said.

There will be one main working group with five subgroups focused upon access to capital and financial planning; access to secure land tenure; access to education and training; access to resources, infrastructure, and business planning; and market access and diversification, according to Hurlbutt.

“The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work Group is a necessary addition to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture,” Hayes said in a statement. "Across Connecticut, Black residents, Indigenous residents, and residents of color are working to ensure our agriculture industry is robust, resilient, and a driving force in combatting food insecurity. BIPOC leaders in agriculture deserve to be part of the decision making. This working group will ensure their voices are heard."

The state is inviting Connecticut farmers, service providers, nonprofits, educators, and others to participate in the working groups. Nominations must be submitted to the agency by April 4, 2021, and appointments will be identified in mid-April. Working groups will meet monthly, or as determined necessary, for approximately a year and a half.

"While diversity is easily seen at a farmers' market or in the field, it is not usually represented by those around the table," Hurlbutt said. "Through intentional inclusion of BIPOC individuals and organizations and others, we will work to move the needle towards true diversity, equity, and inclusion in Connecticut agriculture. This initiative will ensure that Connecticut agriculture better reflects our population by identifying resource gaps, providing support for businesses to grow, and supplying a connection to markets."