Indoor Greenhouse In Hartford Benefits From State Grant

HARTFORD, CT – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture recently announced the recipients of grant funds through the Farm Transition Grant, with an ongoing Hartford agriculture initiative 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 categories to address gaps in funding to support them in times of growth and change.

One of the grant's beneficiaries is a "Gardeners to Farmers Greenhouse" in Hartford, which will use the grant for an HVAC system for an indoor farm.

The greenhouse is located in the Swift Building in Hartford an old factory building that has been converted into a commercial building with a wide array of tenants at 10 Love Lane in Hartford.

One of the components of that site is the so-called "White House Garage," which dates back to the 1880s when it was a farm house on the site.

The garage area there is being converted into a sapling greenhouse.

“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."

Gardners to Farmers is seen by the state as being an example of a "New Farmer 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 Gardners to Farmers in Hartford, click on this link.