CT Receives $53M To Support Farmers After 2023 And 2024 Crop Losses

HARTFORD, CT — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Connecticut a $52.9 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant for eligible farmers in the state who experienced losses in 2023 and 2024 due to severe weather during that period, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

Lamont, joined by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt and members of the state’s Congressional delegation, announced the grant at Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm in Northford. That farm is one of more than 200 Connecticut farms that reported estimated losses in excess of $72 million during 2023 and 2024 due to late frost and freeze events, historic flooding along the Connecticut River Valley in 2023, flooding in western Connecticut in 2024, along with hail, drought, and cumulative impacts of excessive moisture or drought, according to Lamont’s office..

“Connecticut’s farms not only provide fresh, nutritious food for the people of our state, but they also are small businesses that support thousands of jobs and are a critical component of our economy,” Lamont said. “When severe weather events impact their land and wipe out their crops, we need to stand by them to ensure these farms can recover and continue operating.”

Bysiewicz said farmers feed the state, and when bad weather wipes out a harvest, the damage ripples through local economies.

“I’ve seen that impact firsthand on farm visits across the state,” she said. “This block grant delivers real, targeted assistance to the people who grow our food, and I’m grateful to our federal delegation and Commissioner Hurlburt for the work they put in to deliver this relief to our local farmers.”

Under the grant, farmers making at least $1,000 in farm income who have at least $500 in documented losses from weather events in 2023 and 2024 will be eligible. Payments may cover up to 95% of losses, not to exceed $1 million per year per category. Any previous crop insurance or third-party payments will be deducted.

Farmers will have two opportunities to apply, with the first anticipated in September and a second round in late fall. Farmers are encouraged to submit information in the first round. Payments will be issued at the close of each round.

“Today’s announcement of the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant signed agreement marks an important milestone for our agricultural community,” Hurlburt said. “This program is designed with farmers at its core, and I strongly encourage all eligible farmers across the state to apply during the first round so we can begin delivering assistance as soon as possible.”  

William Dellacamera, owner of Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm, said support would become essential for agriculture as weather becomes more unpredictable.

“While the process to obtain this assistance has been a long one, those who truly need it are grateful,” he said.

Connecticut senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, joined by representatives Rosa DeLauro, John Larson and Jahana Hayes, also welcomed the news. 

Murphy said the state’s farmers have needed help for a long time.

“Not only have they endured the fallout of natural disaster, Trump’s policies are pushing farmers into full-blown crisis,” he said. “For more than a year and a half, our delegation has fought to get millions in approved funding out of D.C. and into Connecticut farmers’ pockets. I’m relieved the federal government is finally making good on its promise to help make our farmers whole.”

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture expects to open the application period in early fall, with payments beginning in late fall, according to a statement. Farmers who experienced losses are encouraged to start gathering documentation now and sign up for updates to stay informed when the application portal opens.

Additional information, including FAQs, fact sheets, eligibility guidance, and the signup form for updates, is available at portal.ct.gov/FRS.