Farm Transition Grant: New Farmer Micro Grant

The Farm Transition Grant, managed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, offers up to $49,999 in matching funds to support Connecticut farmers in diversifying their operations and transitioning to value-added production. With approximately $500,000 available, this competitive grant aims to assist new and existing agricultural projects, requiring a 25% match on total costs. Eligible applicants may submit one project per cycle, with agreements lasting up 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.
New Project Micro Grant
Supports new and beginning individuals or partnerships with one full year to three years of production history, seeking long-term careers in the CT agricultural industry.
Match requirement: 25% of total project costs
Projects looking to purchase/install a greenhouse or hoop house should contact your local USDA NRCS office for current funding opportunities.