2025 Healing by Growing Farms Conference April 16, 8-4 PM Waterford, CT
UConn Extension Urban Farmer Training Online Course March 12- May 7 $200
2025 Farmers Market Manager Meetup March 13, 10-3 pm New Haven, CT
Legal Food Hub 2025 Winter Webinar Series
NCTFA Farmer 2 Farmer Conference 10:00-4:30 PM in Meriden
On January 25, 2025, dig into the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance’s second annual Farmer 2 Farmer Conference 🌱
At this event, farmers lead the way—because who better to learn from than fellow farmers? Dive into workshops and discussions led by Connecticut farmers, learn how to advocate for farmer needs with our elected officials, and vote for the best invention at our Farm Hack competition.
Not only is this information-packed conference FREE, but we’ve got you covered with a complimentary breakfast and lunch! Don’t forget to bring your extra seeds for an epic seed swap.
Register NOW. (Please note, the conference is free to all. Any contributions help support other NCTFA advocacy throughout the year.)
Funding for this event is provided by USDA-NIFA-BRDP Award #2023-49400-4087, USDA-NIFA Award #2024-70003-41449, and Pennsylvania Certified Organic.
2025 CT Farm Energy Workshops: Feb. 6, Feb 20. and Feb. 27 at UConn Extension locations
UConn Extension Free Webinar Jan 30 from 2-4 PM: Discover the Potential of Agritourism
UConn Extension is excited to announce an upcoming agritourism webinar, offering farmers and agricultural business owners a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of integrating tourism into their agricultural operations. This free, virtual event will take place on Thursday, January 30 from 2-4 PM, and will feature practical insights from seasoned experts and farmers who have successfully diversified their businesses through agritourism.
Agritourism is a growing business segment that combines agriculture with tourism, allowing farms to create additional revenue streams, engage with the public, and promote local food systems. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about essential topics, including insurance considerations, business planning, and how to craft an engaging agritourism experience that fosters meaningful connections with visitors.
The webinar will feature:
NE-DBIC Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant Due Feb. 13, 2025
The application period is January 2 through February 13, 2025, at 2pm ET.
This program will fund projects that help dairy farmers improve their operations and support long-term success. The goal is to update outdated systems or try new and innovative solutions. Projects of all sizes and complexity levels will be considered. Farmers or producer cooperatives and service providers working with groups of farmers are eligible to apply. Milk buyers are eligible if the project focuses on on-farm milk production or transfer.
The program is focused on improving farm business viability, reducing climate impacts, increasing milk quality or value, improving worker conditions, and increasing the farm’s ability to handle challenges. Possible projects might involve testing new technologies, upgrading equipment, or making continuous improvements. Some example areas include feed management, animal health, labor efficiencies, or working with new and young farmers.
Projects that work with experts, such as farm planners or technical assistance providers, to plan long-term improvements will be more competitive. Projects that help multiple dairy farms are also encouraged. However, projects that only replace old equipment without making other improvements will be less competitive.
Awards will range from $15,000 – $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution.
Total funds available: $950,000
Grants are available to applicants in all 11 Northeast states served by NE-DBIC: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
How to Apply:
At the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, we offer grants and contracts for dairy farmers, processors, and service providers.
Visit our website grants page for details on each program.
View the funding calendar to learn when each grant opens.
2025 UConn Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers’ Conference Jan 7, 2025
When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Where: UConn Student Union, Storrs, CT
Register at: s.uconn.edu/vfcregistration
Online registration will be open until January 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Walk-in registration may be available but space is not guaranteed.
Lunch and Parking is included in the registration price. Prior to the day of the conference, you will be sent an event parking link to register for validated parking. You must pre register by January 5, 2025 in order to receive free parking.
If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability, please call 860-875-3331 or email tolland@uconn.edu at least two weeks in advance (by December 24, 2024).
We can only accommodate those with dietary restrictions who register prior to December 29th. For those with severe food allergies, while we will make every effort to accommodate, we cannot fully guarantee the prevention of cross-contamination. If needed, you may consider bringing your own lunch for added peace of mind.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER DECEMBER 29, 2024
The full agenda and speaker information is available at: s.uconn.edu/vfcprogram
To pay via mail visit: s.uconn.edu/vfcmailregistration
Please contact tolland@uconn.edu or call 860-875-3331 if you have any questions or need assistance with registration.
Solid Ground Offering Several Farmer Trainings for Production Farmers
