Agriculture & Food

Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply

Grant Writing Workshop with CFBA Young Farmers

The Young Farmers Committee of the CT Farm Bureau is hosting a grant writing workshop! The meeting will be Thursday, January 5, 2023, 5:30 pm, at the Tolland County Agricultural Center. During the workshop, the Young Farmers Committee will be collaborating with the CT Department of Agriculture, UConn Extension and local farmers who have gone […]

Holiday Giving With Fairfield County Community Nutrition

The Fairfield County Community Nutrition team assembled and delivered a can opener and  ‘Canned Foods Fill MyPlate’ materials to the Jericho Food Pantry in Danbury. Seventy-five of Danbury’s most in need residents will receive the gift bags in time for the holidays.              

UConn Extension in partnership with E&G Community Builders

Leaders of Color in Conservation Training Project is Hiring: Project Coordinator Info: 10-12 hrs/week $25/hour Mostly remote work with some travel Excellent organization and communication skills Comfortable with events, photography, and digital platforms Apply at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tJFTK3_Bm0W_24TM3ilPHXCyzmjz8zjS/view?usp=sharing  

2023 Tri-state Greenhouse IPM Workshops

Registration is now open for the  virtual 2023 Tri-state Greenhouse IPM Workshops!: “The ABC’s of a Better Crop”  REGISTER HERE: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=728145&   When – Where: Two, Online Zoom Sessions: Session 1: Thursday, January 19th 1:00 – 3:30pm Session 2: Thursday, January 26th 1:00 – 3:30pm    Featured speakers include: Juang (JC) Chong, Clemson University, South […]

CT GROWN MARKETING TOOLS: LIST YOUR CSA

Does your farm offer a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) program?  In the upcoming months the Connecticut Grown campaign will be promoting CSA’s and we want to be sure your farm is included. The Department of Agriculture maintains a list of Connecticut CSAs at https://portal.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=74ef6c0c3fdcad5c83a78f294&id=343708bd23&e=075feba670. To add your farm to this list, or to update the information […]

NEW online Soil Course: Soil Health and Climate Adaption for CT Growers

As part of UConn Extension’s Solid Ground program we are sharing a NEW online Soil Course: Soil Health and Climate Adaption for CT Growers, led by the one and only soil scientist, Kip Kolesinskas! Sign Up HERE This 10-module online course is for growers looking to learn more about analyzing their soils, understanding soil health, assessing […]

Job Opportunity: Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative

Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative is Hiring! Deadline to Apply:  December 9th, 2022 SNEFCC Job Opening The Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative (SNEFCC) is reaching out with exciting news that we are hiring three positions! Please help spread the word among your networks or consider applying. This is an exciting opportunity […]

Northeast Disability and Agriculture 2023 Conference Survey

Hey Farmers! In order to help with the planning process of the Northeast Disability and Agriculture 2023 Conference Survey (Encuesta Para La Conferencia Noreste 2023 Sobre Discapacidad y Agricultura) would you please consider taking 3 minutes to fill out/ share this survey and help the steering committee (One of our local farms! ) to know what you want […]

Winter 2023 Ornamental and Turf Short Course

Wednesdays 5:30-7 pm, from January 11 – March 8, 2023 Click here to register today!  More information at s.uconn.edu/ornamental-turf.  Registration will remain open until Friday, January 6 Questions? Please contact Alyssa Siegel-Miles, alyssa.siegel-miles@uconn.edu Ornamental and Turf Online Short Course Description: UConn Extension offers an online Ornamental & Turf Short Course in the fall and winter, […]

Foundations of Shellfish Farming Training Course 2023

Registration: http://s.uconn.edu/shellfish  Cost: $300 Foundations of Shellfish Farming is a training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Topics that will be covered include: how to establish and operate a shellfish business; leasing and permitting requirements; considerations for gear, vessels, and facilities, shellfish biology, aquaculture techniques and best practices, and risks […]

Give to Extension

Gifts to Extension support programs in all 169 cities and towns of Connecticut. Your contribution positively impacts the 4-H youth program, agriculture and food, climate, health, and sustainable landscapes. Support Extension today at s.uconn.edu/givetoextension   #GivingDay

8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety

Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies remain the main attraction of gathering. But […]

Newest Crop Insurance Program

Small-scale, diversified farmers – have you heard the news? There’s a new insurance program available from USDA called Micro Farm insurance, available specifically for farmers making up to $350,000 annually. If you’ve thought federal crop insurance didn’t apply to you before, well, things are starting to change! Learn more here: https://thecarrotproject.salsalabs.org/microfarmworkshop20222023/index.html CT will have an in-person […]

Programas y Servicios en Español

    ¿Sabía que la Extensión de UConn ofrece programas y servicios en español? Si tiene interés en la salud, nutrición, horticultura, manejo integrado de plagas, y el desarrollo personal y comunitario nuestros programas están disponibles para ayudarlo a aprender!   UConn EFNEP El Programa Ampliado de Educación en Alimentación y Nutrición (UConn EFNEP) ayuda […]

Ag Mechanics Series

Our well-loved Ag-Mechanic Series is BAAAAACK! With limited spaces, these trainings are meant to give you the basics on some of the common “mechanics” dilemmas you might face at your farm.  As a friendly reminder, these trainings are meant for those that are farming or intend to farm for a profit.  If you are interested in gaining skills in […]

Spanish Produce Safety Training Videos

Produce Safety Training VideosAvailable in Spanish and English Attention Farmers: UConn Extension’s 2 farm worker training videos are available now in Spanish. These are to help you with training your Spanish speaking employees in produce safety practices. These resources will help make your employees follow proper food safety on farm and ensure a safe food production. The videos were […]

Farmland Mixer

OUR LAST FARMLAND MIXER for the foreseeable future is coming up on DEC. 4TH.   So if you want to hear about some great land opportunities, talk about how to go about finding land, OR have some land you want to sell or lease yourself, then you should join us at our Farmland Mixer ! We already have some land opportunities already registered […]

Husky Harvest Info Session- Regional Campus Food Pantry

  SNAP-Ed Food Security recently teamed up with United Way to offer a info session for Stamford campus students and Husky Harvest clients.  Husky Harvest is the name for the new regional campus food pantry program. Food insecurity is rising on many college campuses and Husky Harvest strives to provide students with resources while minimizing […]

Respecting Our Roots with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

A partnership between UConn and local tribes led to the development of Meechooôk Farm and other programs that strengthen the tribal community, their land-base, and self-sufficiency. Learn more about the project by reading this article. Financial support for this work was provided by the USDA NIFA Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP Awards 2017-41580-26950 and 2022-41580-37944). […]

Fall Updates from Extension

The changing seasons are a reliable time marker, and this fall, UConn Extension is experiencing our own transitions. It’s an exciting time as new educators join the team and continue implementing our statewide programs. Catch up on our latest updates: s.uconn.edu/fall-news

Job Opening: Fairfield County Master Gardener Coordinator

Position Description UConn Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Lower Fairfield County The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Program Coordinator for Lower Fairfield County, based at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, CT. This is a 16-hour-per-week position and is a temporary, six month appointment. Renewal is […]

2023 Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference & Trade Show: We’re Back!

UConn Extension’s 2023 Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference Wednesday, January 4, 2023 Sheraton Hartford South Hotel 100 Capital Blvd, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 Trade Show: 8:00-8:55, 10:00-10:45, 12:00 -1:00 8:00-8:55 Registration, breakfast, socialize, visit trade show Morning Moderator – Mary Concklin, Fruit Extension Specialist Emeritus, UConn 8:55 Welcome: Indrajeet Chaubey, Dean of CAHNR, UConn […]

CT Agriculture Expo 2022

Register today for this ag expo showcasing the latest in ag innovation, farm equipment, tractors, farm implements, seed & crop protection products, farm supplies & services. This event is happening on Friday November 18th in Southington at the Aquaturf from 10AM till 4PM. Registration includes – Trade Show – State-wide Networking – Buffet Lunch – […]

FSMA Produce Safety Course

FSMA Produce Safety Rule/Produce Safety Alliance Approved Grower Training Course (In person) November 30, December 1; December 2, Snow Date 8:30 am through 3:30 pm Middlesex County Extension Center 1066 Saybrook Rd Haddam, CT Registration Deadline Friday, 11/18 Space limited to 30 participants. REGISTRATION: Course fee is $50. The preferred method of registration/payment is through […]

Novice or veteran, fishermen value safety & survival training

Participants in Safety at Sea training practice boarding a life raft. Story and photos by Judy Benson Dan Russell and Abraham Powell are at opposite ends of their fishing careers. While both work from vessels docked in New London, Russell is a boat captain who’s been fishing for 50 years. Powell is brand new, having […]

Save the Date: CT Ag Expo

Save the Date: Connecticut Agricultural Expo 2022   Friday, November 18th, 2022 Aquaturf, Southington, CT   Theme: Ag Innovation & Technology   Event Partners: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Connecticut Farm Bureau Farm Credit East UConn Extension More information is available at https://www.cfba.org/connecticut-agricultural-expo-2022/.

Indigenous People’s Day

Indigenous People’s Day celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples in the United States and across the world. It honors America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today, recognizing their contributions and acknowledging their resilience and strength in the face of a centuries-long campaign of violence, […]

Calling Master Gardener Alumni

Along with the changes in temperature and color brought with Fall, graduation season is upon us! As our new cohort of interns are joining the ranks of seasoned Master Gardener’s, we would love to hear from our Alums – even if you have not participated in Master Gardener events in a while. We encourage you […]

Encuesta del USDA para Agricultores Latin@ de habla hispana (estipendio de $200) // Latinx Spanish Speaking Farmers USDA Survey ($200 Stipend)

English message follows below the Spanish message // El mensaje en inglés sigue debajo de este mensaje en español.   Estimada comunidad agrícola de CT y del noreste:   Espero que todos hayan tenido un gran comienzo de semana. Mi nombre es Dra. Ivette Ruiz soy la fundadora de Healing By Growing Farms. Estoy muy […]

Nutrition Education in Action

Extension is out and about – and you may run into us at a local event. Our nutrition educators were at two events on Saturday, September 17th.   First, the public learned how “Healthy Eating can Boost Your Immune System” through two on-site classes and cooking demonstrations at the Danbury Farmers’ Market. Participants learned how […]

Online Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching Workshop

UConn is currently offering a new Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching workshop program. The online, self-paced Virtual Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching Workshop is intended for small to mid-sized cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy food producers who are preparing to create, or are already developing, a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant, […]