Well-Known Southington Orchard Gets Major State Ag Grant

SOUTHINGTON, CT – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture recently announced the recipients of grant funds through the Farm Transition Grant, with one well-known Southington orchard 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.

Rogers Orchards of Southington is receiving grant dollars for its hard cider kegging equipment, cider concession truck with a custom bar and tasting area.

Rogers operates two facilities in town, one at 336 Long Bottom Road and the other at 2876 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.

Last June, the orchard received Southington Planning and Zoning Commission approval to build a hard cider mill and tasting area on its Long Bottom Road site.

It would operate in a similar way a vineyard sells and allows for the tasting of wine, with state dollars being contributed to help toward that goal.

“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."

Southington's Rogers Orchard plan is seen by the stater as being an example of "Innovation and Diversification."

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 Rogers Orchard in Southington, click on this link.

From June 23, 2022: 'Bottoms Up: Rogers Orchards OK'd For Hard Cider'