Agriculture & Food

Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply

Extension Impacts – 2020

Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned with CAHNR’s strategic initiatives: Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply Enhancing health and well-being locally, […]

CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member Spotlight: Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N

Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N Do you have a current/past  position with the CT AND Board? I have been many positions on the CT AND board but currently I am the Food Security and Sustainability Co-Chair.   What inspired you to become a RDN? My first year at UConn I found the course ‘The Science […]

FoodCorps Service Member Positions

As a FoodCorps service member you will teach students in the classroom and garden, but you will also learn skills that will help you grow professionally and personally. Apply to serve at www.foodcorps.org/apply What is FoodCorps? What will you do as a service member? Click here to learn more. Click here to view position descriptions.

Making Maple Syrup in Your Own Back Yard CLEAR Webinar

As winter winds down, and you’re considering outdoor, low-risk activities, making a small batch of maple syrup at home with your family might be a fun and healthy choice. This webinar will provide all the essential information you’ll need to get started, from identifying which of your trees might be sugar maples, to tapping, boiling […]

Connecting Connecticut: A New Podcast from UConn Extension

  Land-grant universities have provided communities, organizations, farmers and individuals with practical knowledge rooted in research through the Cooperative Extension System since the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. Over the last 107 years a lot has changed with our Extension systems. The program has expanded beyond its agricultural production origin to encompass a […]

Connecticut Sea Grant’s Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report

Connecticut Sea Grant’s Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report is now available. With photos, graphics, and summaries of many  projects and initiatives, it’s a great way to get a quick overview of Connecticut Sea Grant‘s programs. It is available here. Original Post

2021 FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Training Course

2021 FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Training Course : Register here: http://cahnrconference.uconn.edu Date/Time of Event: Monday, March 8th, 2021: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9th, 2021, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Person Phone and Email: Indu Upadhyaya, 860-786-8191, indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu Instructors Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist, UConn Cooperative Extension Diane Hirsch, MPH, Food Safety […]

2021 Tri-State SARE Webinar Series

2021 Tri-State SARE Webinar Series – Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production The first webinar in the series is next Friday, February 19th! Register here: http://bit.ly/2021SARE The link to access the webinar will be sent a few days in advance of the webinar. If you have previously registered and no longer plan to attend, please […]

Farmland Mixer

Farmland Mixer Tuesday February 18, 6:30- 8:30  Over Zoom Sign up here:  https://bit.ly/farmmixersignup  If you are a farmer in the state that is looking for land to lease or buy, this is a great opportunity for you to talk to landowners and get other resources from service providers about how to prepare to lease or buy […]

Seeking to Contract an Urban Farmer Trainer

UConn Extension is actively seeking to contract with an expert to coordinate and lead learning events over 3 years (2021-2024) for urban farmers in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven. By deepening skills through knowledge sharing and immersive day-long events, our vision is to build a network of urban farmers and urban agriculture service providers within […]

Aquaculture in The Northeast Webinar

Aquaculture in The Northeast When: February 1st, 12 p.m. EST  Click Here To Register  The Council on Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics (C-FARE) and the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (NAREA) will host a free webinar at 12 EST Monday, February 1, to discuss aquaculture in the Northeast. Aquaculture provides an opportunity to pursue economic and environmental benefits […]

Mitchell Elementary School Receives UConn 4-H Tower Garden

A good side of the Coronavirus Pandemic, people want to eat and live locally. As we are becoming more and more aware of our neighboring farms, farmers, and small businesses a push to be local seems to have swept the nation. That is no different in Connecticut where Litchfield County UConn 4-H Extension Educator Bill […]

Growing Vegetable and Herb Transplants

With the increased interest in local food production, more growers are producing vegetable and herb bedding plants and transplants. The following online resources have been updated to provide you with the latest, most up- to- date information with easy to read tables to help you find information quickly.  Growing Vegetable Bedding Plants and Transplants by […]

La Dieta Sin Gluten. ¿Es para mí?

Artículo por Sherry Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N Article also available in English. Click here to view. La etiqueta alimentaria sin gluten está en muchos alimentos en la tienda de comestibles y es popular seguir una dieta sin gluten. Se estima que más del 30% de la población de América del Norte ha adoptado un estilo […]

The Gluten Free Diet. Is it for Me?

Written by Sharon Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N El artículo también está disponible en Español. Haga clic aquí para ver. Gluten free labeling is on many foods in the grocery store and following the gluten free diet is popular. It is estimated that over 30% of the North American population has embraced a gluten-free lifestyle. But […]

Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production Webinar Series

Calling all livestock producers, farmers, and service providers! Mark your calendars for this upcoming webinar series. Register here: http://bit.ly/2021SARE Please contact Rachel Bespuda with any questions rachel.bespuda@uconn.edu

Rooting for Winter – Put Local on Your Tray

Are you root-ing for winter? Winter roots include carrots, beets, potatoes, and more! Click here for ideas on how to incorporate these delicious roots into your meals. Put Local on Your Tray’s “Root-ing for Winter” campaign is working towards connecting schools with local farmers to increase the incorporation of local root vegetables in school meals. Click […]

What is Extension – New Video Released

UConn Extension connects thousands of people across Connecticut and beyond each year, with the research and resources of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. We are comprised of more than 100 educators and a vast network of volunteers. UConn Extension works collaboratively to build more resilient communities through educational initiatives […]

2021 Vegetable Production Certificate Course

We’re offering a Vegetable Production Certificate Course, beginning on January 20th 2021. It is a fully online course for new and beginning farmers who have 0-3 years of vegetable growing experience or no formal training in agriculture. The participants will learn answers to the basic questions about farm business planning, planning and preparing for vegetable farm, […]

Farm Flavor Magazine Features Extension Programs

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, farmers urgently needed access to the newest information on government compliance, health protocols, federal aid and more. UConn Extension put together its own website for COVID-19-related information for both farmers and consumers on production, distribution and processing. UConn Extension also responded by organizing an initiative that enlisted […]

Eat SMART in the New Year!

Written by UConn registered dietitian-nutritionist Donna Zigmont, RDN, CD-N   Source: Free goal setting clip art Every January, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions to make positive changes in their lives. After a very difficult 2020 due to COVID-19, we are hopeful that 2021 will be more promising for all of us. Many of […]

Best Management Practices for Farm Websites

Why Build a Website for your Agricultural Business Websites are an important tool to have for your agricultural business. A website provides an online presence and establishes your credibility as a business. Building a website might seem to be a daunting task but this document is here to provide best management practices for building, designing, […]

Winter Gift Guide to Northeastern Connecticut Farmers

Honey, Maple Syrup, Cheese, and more! Show your appreciation for your family, friends, and small businesses all at once by shopping locally this holiday season. Check out this winter gift guide to find the perfect gifts and local farms near you. To open the guide click here.  

Natural Disaster Designation for Connecticut Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a natural disaster designation for counties in Connecticut. At the request of Governor Lamont, farm operators who experienced damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Isaias from August 4-5, 2020 are eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Click here to read the full designation letter. More […]

Build Your Network Grow Our Future Expands

Once the grueling work of summer comes to an end for farmers throughout the state, there are often opportunities for them to network, build skills, and seek out resources for their farms during the colder months. For Beginning Farmers, one of these opportunities is just around the corner. On December 12th from 2-4pm, the New […]

Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers on Vegetable Seedling Production

UConn Extension Offers Vegetable Seedling & Transplant Production in Greenhouses Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers A webinar series for growers producing vegetables and herbs as seedlings or transplants in heated greenhouses. Topics include transplant uniformity, root-zone management, organic fertilizers, disease & pest control. One pesticide recertification credit has been approved for three of five one-hour […]

UConn Extension: Committed to a Sustainable Future 

Connecticut has faced challenges related to sustainable landscapes, food and agriculture, health, and the climate for generations. As problems are solved, new issues arise. UConn Extension educators work in all 169 cities and towns of Connecticut to help solve the problems that our residents, communities, and state face. Connecting people with agriculture, the natural environment, […]

Finding the Right Livestock Fence with Dr. Joe Emenheiser

Fences are built to keep some animals in, and other animals out! For centuries they have allowed us to domesticate livestock and build permanent settlements. UConn’s new Statewide Livestock Extension Educator, Dr. Joe Emenheiser discusses how you can find the right fence for your animals and what to consider when planning for fencing! Learn more […]

Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey

The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]

Job Opening: Director of Communications

Job Opening: The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time Director of Communications. Reporting to the Dean, the incumbent in this position will provide vision, leadership, and direction to support CAHNR’s communication and marketing strategies and promote its brand and reputation. The Communications Director must […]

Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies

Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies in your yard! Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive and destructive insect that has been found in Connecticut over the past three years. It was reported in West Haven and Greenwich. The insect has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s farm crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, as well as […]

Extension Team Developing Game to Help Consumers Understand Food Labels

The Extension Foundation selected a team from UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for the New Technologies in Agricultural Extension catalyst program. Team members are working with wrap-around services from eXtension to develop an interactive learning experience for consumers on navigating food labels in grocery store aisles. Conflicting information causes […]