Jaime Foster

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) seeks farmer participation in a brief survey regarding weather-related losses during 2023 and 2024. Your input helps determine the funding request CT DoAg will submit to the federal government to assist with these losses and guide which types should be included.

You can find the survey at https://tinyurl.com/FarmersLossSurvey

On December 20, 2024, a Continuing Resolution was signed into law, securing $220 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide block grants to eight eligible states, including Connecticut. This funding aims to compensate producers for losses and expenses resulting from weather events in 2023 and 2024. Each state must estimate its losses and develop a fund distribution plan.

The survey asks about specific weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024 and long-term stresses exacerbated by weather conditions in these two years. Examples of losses include, but are not limited to:

• Production losses
• Damage to infrastructure (e.g., buildings, hoop houses, fences, roads)
• Increased production costs due to pressure from invasive species
• Losses due to soil contamination
• Physical damage to cropland
• Increased input costs, such as feed

Comprehensive data is needed to accurately assess the scope of losses and inform the funding request. You're encouraged to complete the survey, even if you have already received grants, loans, or insurance for the losses listed. These payments will be considered when the program application is launched.

The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 19.