Connecticut Grown
Connecticut agriculture is more significant than we thought. The CT Department of Agriculture which has been around since 1862 created the Connecticut Grown program in 1986 with the intention of promoting farmers’ locally grown produce to interested consumers. Many other initiatives have been progressively developed alongside CT Grown such as, farmers markets, signs informing drivers of nearby farms, a farm to school program, farm to chef program, etc.
First let's dive into a little background research on CT agriculture that led me to my very own history lesson. Did we learn about this in high school?
In the 17th century, before European settlement, Native Americans planted crops in Connecticut. It is said that they prepped and cleared our land for cultivation. In the same manner, the Connecticut River Valley was a bountiful resource for fertile soil, the perfect reserve for growing food. Ultimately these rich soils served as the foundation for future farming.
Fast forward to 1900, 46 percent of CT’s population was involved in agriculture business. Fast forward even further to 2012, CT had over 5,000 farms with 437,000 acres of land, producing 551 million in revenue! The most current information I could find on USDA Census, reports for 2017 with 5,521 farms, 381,539 acres of land (each averaging about 69 acres) and generating 580,114 million in revenue that year. Since the Census is calculated every 5 years, there was no more relevant information about where we stand today. However, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provides accurate and reliable statistics on crops, livestock, and other agricultural products for each of the six New England States. In Connecticut in 2019, they calculated 5,500 farms, with about 380,000 acres of land. It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers don’t always exactly represent everyone and everything. So it is likely that not all farms are accurately represented. However, this is much more than we imagined and puts a small state like Connecticut’s potential into perspective.
Now, let’s put that information into context. What are some of the crops growing here, at a closer proximity than we thought, for both national and local distribution? That is— apples, veggies, hay, dairy products, shellfish (clams, oysters, etc.) and tobacco. Fun fact: Connecticut is ranked 10th in the country for maple syrup production! All this time, lusting over Vermont maple syrup...little did we know CT has its very own.
“With more than 100 farmers’ markets operating across the state, Connecticut consumers have access to fresh, local foods year round. Eating local food supports farmers and growers, bolsters the state’s economy, and greatly benefits general public health. Consumers can know exactly where their food comes from and exactly who grows it. They can meet the farmers and ask any questions about how their food was grown or how to eat it — an invaluable advantage.”
Today, Connecticut’s agriculture contributes more than $4 billion to our state’s economy and employs about 20,000 people! Another fun fact: 40% of those agriculture businesses are owned by women. I can’t help but to think of Patti Popp of Sport Hill Farm in Easton, CT. Her and her husband Allan Popp started with just a few acres and now sell an abundance of sustainable produce at a large scale.
I got a bit distracted by all of that juicy information, but we are here to talk about the Connecticut Grown campaign. Well, it was recently revamped last month with a reintroduction conference held by Governor Ned Lamont and many other political representatives.
The CT Department of Agriculture is doing things differently. This time around they have interviewed over 1,000 farmers, wholesale partners, and consumers to better represent the elements they want to encompass. They have even introduced a new logo that we can’t wait to see slapped on our summer produce. This development will provide a huge push on everyone’s access to Connecticut’s very own homegrown produce and other farm products.
“We need to strengthen and promote our [agricultural] industry,” the U.S. Rep Rosa DeLauro said. “This effort is going to ensure all families, regardless of economic status, can find and select healthier food choices grown by Connecticut farmers. Today more than 100 farmers markets operate border to border in Connecticut, and it’s my hope that by the next time we gather to honor Connecticut Grown, as a result of what’s being launched today, we’ll see that number grow so that everyone will have access to fresh, healthy and local food all year.”
Connecticut Agriculture is no joke! My hope is that these initiatives will not only target interested and informed consumers, but all consumers— especially those who are completely unaware of these movements happening. Those of us who are conscious of the benefits behind wholesome, local food are usually up to date with this information. However it is the parents that are working long hours and only have time to buy their children fast or frozen food and the teenager who works two jobs and is always on the go that will prosper most from this information.
“Among the goals for the refreshed branding and marketing campaign is to connect with new audiences, particularly those who have not yet recognized the value of buying local agriculture and aquaculture products and to highlight the importance of supporting these industries. Additionally, this investment will provide Connecticut farmers with tools to engage in the campaign and promote the CT grown brand as well as CT agriculture and aquaculture.”
Ned Lamont: “It is an ideal time for the Department of Agriculture to increase awareness for the opportunity to visit, support, and engage with the fresh air sector of farms, producers, and farmers markets. Join me in supporting the value, impact, and opportunities of CT Grown. Together let's make it a way of life”
There is no better time than now to rebuild our local economy, health, and wellness together. These initiatives will demonstrate that quality food provides quality lives. I am proud to live in a State that values the tradition of growing food with dignity and I am excited to witness others reap its benefits.
Check out the following to learn more about #CTgrown
https://vimeo.com/526422244/0b26fd9580
https://www.farmflavor.com/connecticut/connecticut-magazine/connecticut-grown-2021/