CALL US
Please read the published resources found in the links below. These free and downloadable guides offer a wealth of information.
The best first step towards protecting your farmland, after reading the publications below, is to call our Conservation team at (860) 247-0202 x222. Ask questions. We are here to help you protect your farm.
PUBLICATIONS
CFT’s Downloadable Farmland Protection Steps
What is a conservation easement? What is involved in the process of protecting my land? If you and your family are starting to consider conserving your farm, you may understandably have many questions. To help answer some of these questions about permanently conserving farmland, CFT has created this step-by-step guide to help you learn more about the process.
Download here.
Conservation Options for CT Farmland
A guide for landowners, land trusts, and municipalities regarding programs and tools throughout the state. Includes information about agricultural conservation easements, taxes, and funding.
Download here.
Economic Impacts of Connecticut’s Agricultural Industry
This 2017 report by the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The study found that the impact of Connecticut’s agricultural industry was between $3.5 billion and $4 billion and that the industry generates approximately 20,000 jobs statewide.
Download here.
Farmland ConneCTions
A guide for Connecticut towns, institutions, and land trusts regarding the use and lease of farmland. It outlines the growing importance of leased land in the state’s agricultural industry.
Download here.
Planning for Agriculture
A guide to help Connecticut municipalities in creating plans for conservation and development. It describes tools available in consideration of the creation of town plans open to promoting agriculture.
Download here.
New England Food Policy:
Building a Sustainable Food System
This report describes the policy barriers and gaps around increasing the production and consumption of regionally-produced food in New England.
Download here.
Northeast Economic Engine
A 2015 report by Farm Credit East detailing the economic impacts of agriculture, commercial fishing, forest products and related industries in the northeast.
Download here.
Public Act 490: A Practical Guide
A guide to Public Act 490, Connecticut’s land use assessment law, which allows farmland, forestland, and open space lands to be taxed at their use value rather than their highest and best use value.
Download here.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Farmland Trust
A national organization committed to education, collaboration, and advocacy regarding the protection of farmland throughout the US.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Information about CT Grown products, farmers’ markets, and resources regarding the Farmland Preservation Program.
Connecticut Farm Bureau
A membership organization dedicated to advocacy and education on agriculture-sensitive issues such as land use, labor, economic viability, taxation, and farmland protection.
Farmland Information Center
A project of American Farmland trust with support from USDA-NRCS, FIC is a learning center for people working to save farm and ranch land.
New Connecticut Farmer Alliance
A statewide network of new farmers and growers state seeking to create a social, educational, and successful agricultural community.
New Farms and Farmers Education – UConn Ag Extension Service
UConn Extension offers in-person training opportunities as well as e-learning tools for new and beginning farmers through the Solid Ground Program.
Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust
A regional land trust organization committed to advancing land sovereignty in the northeast region through permanent and secure land tenure for Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and Asian farmers and land stewards who will use the land in a sacred manner that honors their ancestors’ dreams – for sustainable farming, human habitat, ceremony, native ecosystem restoration, and cultural preservation.
The food system was built on the land and labor of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and people of color. Members of the Northeast Farmers of Color Network are claiming sovereignty and calling for reparations of land and resources so that they can grow nourishing food and distribute it in our communities.
If you are a Connecticut farmland owner interested in paying reparations by redistributing land-based wealth, contact Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust.
Land For Good
An organization providing support and guidance to help farmers, landowners, and communities navigate challenges of land access, tenure, and transfer.
USDA-NRCS
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service provides America’s farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to make conservation a reality.
Working Lands Alliance
A diverse network of individuals dedicated to protecting Connecticut’s working lands.
FINDING FARMLAND
Connecticut FarmLink
The FarmLink program works to pair farmers with available lands.
New England Farmland Finder
A project of Land for Good, NEFF is a searchable listing with maps and information about the properties listed.
LandandFarm.com
Real estate listings specializing in farm properties and undeveloped land.
Farm and Ranch Living
Property listings for Connecticut, maintained by Farm and Ranch Living magazine.