Four USDA Rural Energy for America grants have been awarded for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments at farms in Connecticut. 

Gilberties Herb Garden in Easton received $75,825 to provide energy efficient improvements, including LED lighting and a heating system upgrade.  The upgrades will provide savings of 171,836 kwh annually, equivalent to powering 15 households. 

Meadow Ridge Farm in Litchfield received a $39,509 for a solar PV system that will offset 100 percent of the needs of their farm. The energy is equivalent to powering four homes. 

Senator Chris Murphy says Connecticut's small farms drive local economies and support good jobs. Murphy says the federal delegation is working to make it easier for Connecticut farmers to grow their businesses.