Agency Press Release Results Page

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian is closely monitoring an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type-1 (EHV-1) and its neurological form, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), linked to a recent barrel racing and rodeo-type event held in Waco, Texas.

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you – farmers, partner organizations, elected officials, and advocates – who make Connecticut agriculture strong, resilient, and deeply rooted in community.

This holiday season, Connecticut Grown invites residents to celebrate the spirit of giving and decorating by shopping local. From festive greenery and handcrafted gifts to delicious ingredients for your holiday table, Connecticut’s farms offer everything you need to make the season bright. With Small Business Saturday coming up on November 29, it’s the perfect time to shop close to home as more than nine out of 10 farms are classified as family-owned and operated small businesses.

The 2025 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country, a program of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council (CFWDC) administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, concludes on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Participants must submit completed passport booklets or redeem digital stamps by that date to be entered in the prize drawing, featuring over 100 prizes valued at more than $10,000 total. Winners will be drawn by January 31, 2025, and the Passport program will return in May 2026. 

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announced today it is accepting applications for the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement (AgE) Grant Program, which supports projects directly impacting or fostering agricultural viability through eligible Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and/or agricultural non-profit organizations. Applications are due February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST with a maximum grant award of $49,999. Complete grant guidance, forms, and electronic submission information can be found on the Agricultural Enhancement Grant website.

As cold weather and holiday celebrations approach, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds animal owners to take proactive steps to protect pets and livestock from seasonal hazards. 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announces the 2026 edition of Connecticut Grown magazine is now available in print and online. This annual publication, a collaboration between CT DoAg and Farm Flavor Media, profiles Connecticut’s hardworking farmers and connects consumers to our vital agriculture industry. Find information on agriculture, agribusiness, and agritourism attractions around the state, along with delicious recipes and helpful tips.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is delighted to announce that Santa Claus and his reindeer have officially been cleared to fly over the Nutmeg State on December 24. 

In October 2025, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DoAg), released recommended land use values for farmland, forest, and open space under Connecticut’s PA 490 program.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) and the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association (CFBA) are sharing additional clarifying information regarding the 2025 Public Act 490 (PA 490) recommended land use values.

Following a period of intense review and advocacy, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) released updated recommended land use values on January 5, 2026. These revised figures override the values initially released in October 2025, which both organizations identified as failing to accurately reflect the economic reality of Connecticut’s agricultural industry or the original intent of the law.