Higganum Village Farmer’s Market wins grant
Posted on | January 5, 2009 |
Healthy, locally grown farm fresh produce will be available for purchase at the Higganum Village Farmers’ Market on Friday afternoons between 3:30pm and 7:00pm from May 22 to October 30. The open-air Market is held on the Higganum Village Green at the intersection of Saybrook Road (Rt. 154) and Killingworth Road (Rt. 81) opposite the elementary school.
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $1 million in matching funds to more than two dozen farms, non-profit agricultural organizations and municipalities for a variety of projects ranging from Haddam’s new farmers’ market to greenhouse expansion. Haddam’s market was awarded a matching grant of $9,300. The Market will have to raise $9,300 from other sources to receive the Department of Agriculture funding.
The Agriculture Viability Grants help finance on-farm improvements and fund programs that promote Connecticut agriculture. The latest round of grants – $907,055 – will go to 13 agricultural producers, four non-profit agricultural organizations and 13 municipalities.
“These awards address the strength of Connecticut agriculture – its diversity,” Governor Rell said. “They will support a new farmers’ market in Bozrah, provide for a solar irrigation system for an Old Lyme nursery and protect shellfish beds on the shoreline. Agriculture is a $2 billion industry in the state and an important part of Connecticut’s past. These awards will help ensure it continues to play an important role in our future.”
Funding is not limited to farmers. Non-profit organizations and municipalities also are eligible for the grants if agricultural components are involved. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and matching funds must be supplied by the applicant.
“Each application is evaluated very carefully,” said Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli. “A diverse panel of reviewers considers the soundness of the business plans and the long-term feasibility of the proposed projects. The projects selected for awards are those best positioned to fuel the state’s economy and serve its residents for many years to come.”
The Agricultural Viability Grants are made available through Public Act 05-228, An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Land Protection, Affordable Housing and Historic Preservation. This landmark legislation provides funding for municipal open space grants, farm viability and preservation, historic preservation, and new and existing affordable housing programs, along with new infrastructure to support and promote Connecticut agriculture.
Tags: center > farm > farmers' market > food > fresh > healthy > Higganum > local > locavore > organic > seasonal > sustainable > village
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January 6th, 2009 @ 3:31 am
[...] On the positive side, do you know that Haddam has a highly motivated team of volunteers getting ready to hold weekly Farmers’ Markets on Higganum Green this summer? Read about it here. [...]