Touring and Supporting Local Farms

Rep. Allie-Brennan
June 22, 2022
This month I invited Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt to meet with local farmers in Bethel. We toured Holbrook Farm and Hollandia Nurseries to discuss the challenges they face as well as learn how we can be more supportive. Did you know agriculture is a $4 billion industry in Connecticut that employs 220,000? Our farms are central to our economy and way of life – encouraging the growth of local businesses and a local workforce, getting people high-quality food, and supporting our tourism industry.
In April, both farms were awarded Farms Transition Grants (a competitive matching grant program funded by the General Assembly). These grants awarded by the Department of Agriculture will help to strengthen the economic viability of these local farms and improve their existing operation. I’ll continue to work with Commissioner Hurlburt to support our farms and local economies.

To make it easier to support your local farmers, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture has online resources to find your closest farmer, farm stand and farmers’ market here: https://portal.ct.gov/doag/marketing/marketing/find-a-farmer