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NDBIC Innovation in Dairy Processing and Packaging Grant due October 31.

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Northeast Dairy Business Information Center Innovation in Dairy Processing and Packaging Grant due October 31

This grant offers funding for long-term investments that increase dairy processors’ environmental and economic sustainability.  Projects funded through this grant must address at least one of the following primary goals:

  • Packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability of packaging solutions for small and mid-sized processors. Packaging projects may address topics such as packaging lifecycle analysis, packaging materials, costs of conversion, supply chain logistics, research and development, packaging design, processor packaging changeovers, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Novel processing solutions such as innovation in sourcing, product development, alternative production solutions, distribution and supply chain logistics, operations, workforce development or employee welfare, and marketing or consumer experience.
  • Projects that increase collaboration across the dairy sector or increase partnerships between sectors to ensure the greatest number of dairy businesses benefit.

Grants will range from $75,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required.  Total program funding is $1,500,000.
Open to applicants in 11 Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Applications close on October 31 at 2:00 pm.  
Read the Request for Applications and learn how to apply on our website: https://nedairyinnovation.com/grants/dairy-processor-innovation-grant/

Crops, Capital, Counseling Free Online Event Oct. 9

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Crops, Capital, Counseling Free Online Event Oct. 9

This is a free event. Join the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), USDA Farm Service Agency, CT Agriculture and the CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) to learn more about opportunities to access capital for small businesses to expand and rebuild rural communities.

Register here.

BCS Tractor Training and Compost Tea Making Field Day Oct 10 Sprague CT

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BCS Tractor Training and Compost Tea Making Field Day Oct 10 Sprague CT

BCS TRACTOR TRAINING & COMPOST TEA MAKING FIELD DAY
Mark your calendars! On October 10, CT RC&D and partners will be hosting an informative field day at Veteran-owned and operated Artza Mendi Farm, covering BCS Tractor Training & Compost Tea Making on the Farm.

The first portion of the day will include a training on how to safely operate a BCS tractor and attachments, followed by networking & refreshments. The second half will include an overview on making compost tea and its importance. Come for either portion or stay for both. Free to attend; all are welcome! Registration required: visit www.bit.ly/BCSCompostTraining to register.

Funding for this project was paid for by the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant. Funding awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Connecticut Grown for Kids 2025 Grants available- applications due in October and November 2024

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Connecticut Grown for Kids 2025 Grants available- applications due in October and November 2024

CT GROWN 4 CT KIDS APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 8
The Fiscal Year 2025 Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids (CTG4CTK) Grant program guidance is now available and full grant applications for Track 4 will open on September 20 with applications due on October 25, 2024. Applications for full grants in Tracks 1 and 2 will also open on September 20 with a deadline of November 8, 2024. All grants will open and close at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on their respective dates.

CT DoAg has more than $800,000 available this fiscal year to award with approximately $100,000 earmarked for microgrant applications in all tracks. The remainder will be available towards full grant applications (18 or 24-month projects) in Tracks 1, 2, and 4.

Track 1: Farm to School (K-12) Local Procurement Assistance Grant
Track 2: Farm to School (K-12) Experiential Learning Grant
Track 3: Producer Capacity Building Grant *microgrant only award
Track 4: Farm to Early Childcare and Education (ECE) Grant

Eligible applicants include Connecticut local and regional boards of education, regional education centers, cooperative arrangements, childcare centers, group childcare homes and family childcare homes, or any organization or entity administering or assisting in the development of a farm to school program. Entities who received CTG4CTK funds for the two prior grant periods are not eligible to apply this fiscal year. A one-round/year break in funding is required.

For interested parties, a webinar was held on Monday, August 26, 2024, and the recording is now posted online. For more information on the webinar, guidance, application portal, and additional information required to apply, please visit the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant Program page.  CT DoAg will host regular office hours following the webinar and grant coaching by track will also be available. Available times will be announced during the webinar and posted on the website. To learn more, visit the webpage or contact Hannah Carty at Hannah.Carty@ct.gov or 860-471-1620.

Aug 14: UConn Extension Pasture Based Systems for Sustainable Livestock Production Field Workshop

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Aug 14: UConn Extension Pasture Based Systems for Sustainable Livestock Production Field Workshop

Tri-State SARE Project 2024 Connecticut Field Workshop

 

Wednesday, AUGUST 14th
9:30 – 11:30 Am
Join us for a tour of this pastured pork and
poultry farm. Learn firsthand from owners
Kirsten and Chris about the economic analysis
and decision-making processes they employ.
Hear about the strategies they implement that
are crucial for the long-term success of their
business.

Muddy Roots Farm

175 Northford Rd

Wallingford, CT 06492

For more information, contact Rachel Bespuda, Project Director at rachel.bespuda@uconn.edu

To register, visit:
https://forms.office.com/r/6Cjn6LX4vX

Made in Connecticut Expo Seeks Farm Vendors for August 10-11

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Made in Connecticut Expo Seeks Farm Vendors for August 10-11

MADE IN CONNECTICUT EXPO SEEKS FARM VENDORS
The 2024 Made in Connecticut Expo bringing you twice as many vendors from last year with over 300 amazing small businesses all from right here in Connecticut,  in every category and industry imaginable. All businesses are divided into its representative county at the event including food companies, farms, drink companies, handcrafted products, manufacturers, apparel and fashion designers, artists and artisans, farm producers, local authors doing book signings, health and beauty product companies, pet companies, top local gourmet food trucks, furniture makers, upcyclers and so much more!Made in Connecticut Expo has partnered up with Connecticut Food Truck Festivals to bring you a one of a kind Food Truck event combined with samplings of local breweries and wineries from around the state as well. We will also have a full bar at this year’s event offering Wine, beer, and frozen drinks for your enjoyment. This is the Largest Expo dedicated to Connecticut Entrepreneurship in State History! Please come and support local businesses and new entrepreneurs large and small producing goods, creating jobs and supporting the local economy right here in our home, The Great State of Connecticut!!! LOCATION Berlin Fairgrounds, 06037

We are offering all Farms in the State a special 50% discount to attend this years event. Regular price $195 for the weekend, now only $92!!! August 10th & 11th 9-5.

You can apply online by visiting ctspecialtyevents.com.