Connecticut farmers can apply for federal disaster assistance.

Connecticut officials, including Governor Ned Lamont and Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, have announced the launch of a portal to accept grant support applications. Funds are being allocated from a federal fund that was finally approved after a long period of negotiations and bureaucratic delays. The first application period will run until October 7, with a second round scheduled for the fall.

To participate in the program, farmers must confirm gross revenue of at least $1,000 for the reporting periods, as well as document damage from natural disasters in 2023 or 2024 totaling $500 or more. The assistance covers crop losses, damage to agricultural facilities, infrastructure, and perennial crops. On September 17, the Department of Agriculture will hold a webinar to explain the application process.

The payment amount will be calculated based on the farmer's best annual revenue figure between 2020 and 2025. From this amount, the losses incurred from natural disasters, as well as any previously received insurance payouts, will be deducted. The maximum possible grant amount is $1 million, with the program compensating 95% of the calculated difference. Fund disbursements are expected to begin in mid-October.

This initiative is part of the federal Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant program with a total budget of $220 million, distributed among New England states, Hawaii, and Alaska. The program is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized farms growing specialty crops, which often do not fall under the terms of standard payments for large commodity crop producers. The need for prompt assistance was driven by the aftermath of the 2023 floods, as well as hail and flooding that struck the state's farms in 2024.