Sen. Markley Supports Help for Agriculture Programs

Hartford, CT – State Senator Joe Markley (R-Waterbury) applauds two Waterbury businesses which have won competitive grants from the state Department of Agriculture. A farm transition grant has been awarded to Mountaintop Mushrooms for expansion of an indoor specialty mushroom growing facility. The total project budget is $70,000 and the grant award is $35,000. “This is an especially fascinating project,” Markley said. “A remarkable variety of exotic mushrooms are being cultivated, using cutting-edge agricultural technology, right here in Waterbury. If the state intends to bolster private initiative, this is the sort of imagination project we ought to get behind.” The grant is dependent on a private match of the state award. Also in Waterbury, the Brass City Harvest has received a $49,741 farm viability grant for improvements to a year round indoor farmers’ market. The total project budget is $157,576. “Bringing the country to the city through an indoor farmers’ market is very popular in Waterbury. Families have access to fresh produce, and workers downtown can visit the market at lunchtime for a bite to eat,” said Sen. Markley. “The connection is a win, win for all.” Established in 2005, the farm transition and farm viability grants protect and preserve Connecticut by supporting viability and preservation, agricultural infrastructure, municipal open space grants, and historic preservation. Funding is generated through a $40 fee collected for the recording of documents into municipal land records. Grantees have one year to complete their projects and must match the award. “These projects build upon the work and recommendations of the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development,” said Commissioner Reviczky. “With feedback gathered over the past year from hundreds of farmers and associated stakeholders, the council has begun shaping a long-range, strategic plan that will vitalize Connecticut agriculture—in turn increasing its existing economic contribution and creating jobs.” To learn more visit the Farm Transition Grant and Farm Viability Grant programs and additional information is at www.CTGrown.gov.