Farm Transition Grant: Innovation and Diversification Grant

The Farm Transition Grant, managed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, offers matching funds to Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives to diversify operations and transition to value-added production. With an expected total of $500,000 in funding, grants range from $500 to $49,999. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of production history and present a viable business plan. Grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with agreements lasting 18 months to two years.

Overview
The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DOAG) and provides matching funds to Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives for the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state.
Funding for the Farm Transition Grant is provided through C.G.S. Sec. 22-26k. The FTG
Program and any awards are subject to limitations of state funding.
Funding Availability
CT DOAG expects to award approximately $500,000 in this round using a competitive review process. Grant awards can range in size from $500 to $49,999.
An individual, farm, or agricultural cooperative may only receive one FTG in FY 2026.
Agreements may last between eighteen months to two years from the agreement start-date. CT DOAG anticipates most agreements to start in March or April 2026. Applicants should anticipate agreements will end by September 2027 or March 2028 and may not be extended.
If selected, grantees may only incur eligible expenditures after the grant agreement is fully executed, it is on or after the agreement effective date, and the grantee has been notified by the grant manager that they may begin work.
Grant Categories
Four distinct grant categories are available. Applicants must select the category they feel best represents their project. Each applicant may only submit one (1) project to be considered per grant cycle. CT DOAG reserves the right to adjust the grant category selected by the applicant.
Supports farms with a minimum of three years of production history with the production of a new product or service for market or business expansion. An applicant should have a business plan and provide evidence of previously conducted research to determine if implementing the project is a viable investment for the business.
Maximum award amount: $49,999Match requirement: 25% of project costs
Applicants do not need to complete a Research and Development Grant through the FTG to be eligible to apply for an Innovation and Diversification Grant.