UConn College of Ag, Health and Natural Resources Greenhouse Research and Extension Biological Control Conference for Ornamental Growers September 18

Solid Ground Farmer Summer Skill Shares Sept. 15 (Newtown) and Sept. 30 (Ashford)

For more information or to sign up, visit: Solid Ground | A Program for New and Beginning Farmers

UConn Extension Master Gardener 2026 Applications due October 17

UCONN EXTENSION OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

UConn Extension is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Program, a dynamic educational outreach initiative that blends horticultural science with community engagement. Applications are due by Friday, October 17, 2025, and must be submitted to the location where applicants wish to take classes.

The Litchfield County cohort offers a hybrid option, allowing participants to complete the classroom portion either in-person or online. All other program components, including office hours, outreach, and diagnostic sessions, must be completed in person. Accepted applicants will be notified by Monday, November 3, 2025, and must register and submit the $495.00 program fee by Friday, December 5, 2025. Classes begin the week of January 11, 2026.

The program includes:

• 100+ hours of classroom instruction (January–May 2026)

• Weekly online sessions from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Subject quizzes, a graded exam, and a plant ID/research project due by August 2026

• Attendance at one of five in-person summer diagnostic sessions

• Final diagnostic exam and essay due by September 2026

• 30 hours of in-office service at a UConn Extension Center or Bartlett Arboretum

• 30 hours of approved educational outreach or community projects

All program requirements must be completed by September 2026. Graduates earn certification as UConn Master Gardeners and become registered volunteers with UConn Extension. Visit mastergardener.uconn.edu for full details and application materials.

Henry P. Kendall Foundation New England Food Vision Prize Applications Due September 12

Prize Timeline:

August 11: Application opens

September 12: Submission deadline

October 17: Awards announced

Learn More and Apply for the October Prize

The New England Food Vision Prize will support projects that build resilience, relationships, and capacity within New England’s educational institution food supply chain.

In response to the recent federal funding cuts and the related impacts to our regional food system, we have modified the structure and focus of this year’s Prize program.

The Prize will support new ideas and collaborations, while also safeguarding and supporting existing efforts. This year’s Prize aims to fortify recent progress and ensure that the region’s students, farmers, fishermen, and producers continue to benefit from farm to school and campus programs.

Modifications include:

• Two application periods with a four-week turnaround from submission deadline to decision
• Simplified application process
• Streamlined criteria used to review and recommend applications
• Existing projects and programs encouraged to apply
• Award requests can range from $25,000 – $100,000
• A minimum of $1.5 million available for 2025 Prizes

Competitive applications will clearly demonstrate how the project or program will maintain or increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college and university students. Specific and near-term benefits to farmers, fishermen, and/or producers should be detailed in the application.

The 2025 Prize is more accessible, featuring a streamlined application process and faster award notifications.

Prize awards will range from $25,000-$100,000.

CT Grown for CT Kids Microgrants and Full grants available

CT DoAg Announces Release of FY 2026 CT Grown for CT Kids Grant Guidance

USDA Free Webinars for Veterans: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Register here.

Womens Business Development Council Ignite Grant Applications due Sept. 16, 2025

To learn more, click here.

Northeast Dairy Business innovation Center Process Modernization Grant Due Aug. 14

Dairy Processor Modernization Grant

Projects funded through this grant will focus primarily on upgrading or adding specialized dairy processing or packaging equipment that is necessary for business growth and viability. Funded projects will address one or more of the following areas:

• Expanded processing capacity: Replacement or addition of equipment that is appropriately scaled for processors’ growth projections. Projects that will significantly expand production capacity, increase utilization of regionally sourced milk, dairy components, or dairy mix, increase production capacity, and meet a market demand.
• Increased facility efficiencies: Replacing outdated equipment with scale-appropriate specialized equipment that will significantly address efficiencies in labor hours, cost of production, resource/energy usage, and food safety hazards.
• Implementation of packaging improvements: Replacement or addition of equipment that will demonstrably reduce packaging waste and/or the use of virgin plastics, reduce supply chain waste, or reduce waste through extended/improved product shelf life.

Projects funded through this grant will focus primarily on acquiring specialized equipment. Additional activities related to training, business planning services, professional consultants, marketing, or supply chain logistics that directly support the project may be incorporated. Evidence of technical assistance from a service provider or business planner involved in the project will make applications more competitive.

The Northeast region, for the purposes of NE-DBIC programs, includes the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Awards
Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. At least 75% of grant funds must be used for eligible specialized equipment purchases.

Total funds available: $1,000,000.

1. Transforms raw milk or dairy components into an edible product meant for human consumption
2. Is licensed in a way that their dairy products can be sold across state lines
3. Is headquartered or based in the Northeast
4. Sources or produces milk or dairy components from within the Northeast
5. Manufactures products within the Northeast

Applicants will qualify into tiers outlined below based on milk utilized on an average production day, regardless of the number of days per week they process. Volume may differ based on the product made and processors should reference the volume measurement for their specific product. Volume is a measurement of inputs and not finished products.

How to Apply
Applications will be open June 26 to August 14, 2025.

1. Once it is released, review the full Request for Applications (RFA) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process. The RFA is expected to be posted in June 2025.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.
4. Applicants who do not already have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov are strongly encouraged to start this process during the application period to ensure a timely start to their grant, if awarded.

Toplands Farm Show October 18, Roxbury