Several Greater Danbury area farms have been awarded state Department of Agriculture grants. 33 projects from the Farm Transition Grant program were awarded a total $515,000 to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives seeking to expand, diversify, and improve their existing operation.
Among those receiving a grant is Hollandia Nurseries in Bethel, which will used the money to help purchase and install irrigation systems in five greenhouses. Hollandia Nurseries was founded in a 2-car garage in 1964 and now covers more than 20 acres on Stony Hill Road.
The Farm Transition Grant Program was created in 2005 and was passed in the legislature on a unanimous and bipartisan basis. Grant funds are reimbursed to the farm after the project is successfully completed, a final financial and written report outlining all of the expenses and tasks associated with the project have been received and approved, and a site inspection by agency staff is conducted.
In the New Farmer Grant category, Holbrook Farm is Redding will use funding for a Cold frame greenhouse. In the Innovation and Diversification category, March Farm in Bethlehem will purchase a zone tiller to reduce tillage and improve soil health. Moss Creek Farm in Newtown will use the grant for a greenhouse and irrigation for a medicinal herb farm. This is the second grant cycle.
