Posted on February 29, 2024
NEWTOWN– State Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), Martin Foncello (R-107) and State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) hailed the Department of Agriculture’s announcement that Great Ring Farm in Sandy Hook is receiving a Farm Transition Grant from the state.
The grant will assist Great Ring Farm in Sandy Hook to purchase a flail mower and a harrow attachment. A flail mower is a tractor attachment to the rear or side that is best for cutting tall and thick brush, as well as maintaining fence lines. It can also work as a mulcher, as it chops up the material finely and distributes the clippings evenly as you drive along. The harrow attachment sits behind the tractor and is powered to rotate tines to till just the surface of the soil and prepare for planting seed.
Rep. Bolinsky said, “I am grateful to the state Department of Agriculture for this small farm grant. Great Ring Farm grows beautiful flowers, and this grant will permit them to streamline their trimming and planting process.”
Rep. Foncello said, “I want to thank the state Department of Agriculture for selecting Great Ring Farm for this grant. This microgrant supports new individuals/partnerships who have one full year to three years of production history and are seeking long-term careers that financially support them through farming and agriculture.”
“I applaud the Department of Agriculture for investing in small businesses like Great Ring Farm in Newtown. Our farmers contribute so much to our local community, and it’s time they received a little help back. This Farm Transition Grant will help Great Ring Farm continue to offer beautiful flowers, creating smiles for all,” said Sen. Hwang.
The Department of Agriculture’s Farm Transition Grant supports the agricultural and farming industry as and their ability to diversify and grow to meet the ever-changing market needs and demands.
Eligible entities were able to apply to one of four categories including New Farmer Micro Grants, Infrastructure Investment Grant, Research and Development Grant, and Innovation and Diversification Grant. Though industry feedback, this program year is offering a 25% advance of the grant award for the last three categories with the remainder reimbursed upon project completion. New Farmer Micro Grant awardees will be able to request a 50% advance of their award.