Organic Farm In Farmington/Avon Receives Special State Grant

FARMINGTON/AVON, CT – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture recently announced the recipients of grant funds through the Farm Transition Grant, with a well-known Farmington/Avon farm among the beneficiaries.

State officials said a total of $549,649 is going to 30 projects to assist Connecticut agricultural producers and cooperatives seeking to expand, diversify and improve their existing operation.

The FTG grant program strengthens the economic viability of Connecticut farmers through four dynamic categories to address gaps in funding to support them in times of growth and change.

Sub-Edge Farm, which is located in Farmington and Avon, is installing a 10-foot-by-30-foot walk-in freezer, according to the state DOA.

Sub Edge's farm shop address is 199 Town Farm Road, Farmington, but the farm's 10-acre site also goes into Avon, according to the farm's website.

The farm specializes in organic plants, vegetables, meats and eggs and its clients include local restaurants, farm shop guests and community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscribers, who receive farm offerings in return for a regular membership fee.
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The farm's slogan is "Fresh. Honest. Local," something the state program definitely is looking to support, according to DOA officials.

“Three years ago, we modified the FTG program to better align with the needs of farmers – from new and beginning to established – and since then we have experienced a greater diversity of applications and projects. We have also begun sharing some of the success stories of farm businesses who have implemented innovative projects to date,” said Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt.

“These funds are providing meaningful assistance to a wide variety of producers to make positive lasting impacts on their own business model, as well as contribute to the state’s economy, job growth, and food production.”

Funding is being distributed in four categories to reflect the life cycle of Connecticut farm businesses.

The aim is to assist them during all stages of business growth and development and to bring CT Grown products to market while increasing farm sustainability, according to the state DOA.

These categories were: "New Farmer Micro Grant," "Infrastructure Investment," "Research and Development" and "Innovation and Diversification."

Sub-Edge Farm's plan is seen by the state as being an example of an "Infrastructure Project."

A total of 58 applications were received with a total request in excess of $1 million in grant funds.

The maximum grant award amount was $49,999.

Matching funds were required for each category ranging from 25 percent to 50 percent, depending on the classification.

For the full state Department of Agriculture announcement, click on this link.

For more information on Sub-Edge Farm in Farmington/Avon, click on this link.