Governor Lamont and Agriculture Commissioner Hurlburt Announce Application Period Now Open for $52.9 Million in Disaster Relief Funds for Connecticut Farmers

Eligible Farmers Encouraged To Apply During Round One by October 7, 2026

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt, and members of Connecticut's Congressional delegation today announced that the application period for Connecticut farmers seeking disaster relief funding to cover losses from severe and unseasonable weather events the state experienced in 2023 and 2024 is now open. These funds are coming from an allocation of $52.9 million in disaster relief the Connecticut Department of Agriculture was awarded this summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to these weather events.

During 2023 and 2024, Connecticut experienced a number of abnormal weather extremes, including late frost and freeze events, historic flooding along the Connecticut River Valley, flooding in western Connecticut, hail storms, drought, and cumulative impacts of excessive moisture or drought. These were particularly impactful on farms, causing crop losses, infrastructure damage and equipment losses, future economic losses, and increases in the cost of production.

"When severe weather events impact farms, we need to stand by them to ensure they can recover and continue operating," Governor Lamont said. "Not only do farms provide the fresh and nutritious food that we all rely on, but they are small businesses and employ thousands of workers in Connecticut. I am glad that our administration, through the efforts of Commissioner Hurlburt and his team at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, along with our state's Congressional delegation, were able to work together to secure these valuable funds on behalf of our agricultural businesses."

Eligible farmers can apply for disaster relief funding online through the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant by visiting portal.ct.gov/FRS. Round one of applications is open now and will remain open until October 7, 2026. Payments will begin in mid-October, following the review and approval process. Partner organizations will be available to assist farmers with completing their Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant applications.

To qualify, farmers must have earned at least $1,000 in farm income with a minimum of $500 in documented losses from weather events in 2023 and 2024. Payments may cover up to 95% of eligible losses, with a cap of $1 million per year per category, unless selecting the minimum payment option for crop loss. Any crop insurance payments or other third-party compensation will be deducted from the final award amount.

"Since signing our agreement with USDA, our priority has been making sure every eligible Connecticut farmer has a clear, easy path to apply," Commissioner Hurlburt said. "We've built the tools, partnered with industry groups, and created checklists and guides so farmers can submit with confidence. Now we are asking farmers to take the next step: apply. This funding is designed for you to reinvest in your farm, strengthen your business, and help keep Connecticut's local food system vibrant. A strong farm community means a healthier Connecticut-so if you're eligible, we encourage you to apply today."

The announcement about the opening of the application period was made during a news conference held at Killam and Bassette Farmstead in South Glastonbury, which is one of more than 200 Connecticut farms that reported estimated losses in excess of $72 million during 2023 and 2024.

Connecticut's Congressional delegation worked to secure this targeted relief to help address gaps in existing crop insurance programs. Members of the delegation expressed their support and urged farmers to apply promptly.

"After our local farms were hit with severe flooding and frost, I worked with our entire delegation to secure federal disaster relief-a first-of-it-kind program that will ensure growers can receive the help they need without burdensome requirements that put aid out of reach," Congressman John Larson (CT-01) said. "I am glad to join Commissioner Hurlburt and my colleagues to announce this critical step forward to make sure Connecticut's small family farms are compensated for the losses they incurred. I will continue to work with state leaders to ensure our farmers get they relief they deserve as soon as possible."

"Connecticut farmers have weathered serious crop losses in recent years," Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. "After the tireless advocacy of Connecticut farmers and Connecticut Department of Agriculture, fighting through exasperating delays, our state's farmers will finally be able to access the disaster relief funding that Congress passed over two years ago. I encourage all farmers who faced losses caused by severe weather in 2023 and 2024 to apply for this funding."

"I am proud to have worked alongside Commissioner Hurlburt, Governor Lamont, the Connecticut Congressional delegation, and our farmers to deliver nearly $53 million in federal relief to Connecticut farmers impacted by extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024," Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said. "This money is long overdue, but it is on the way. The opening of the application portal brings us one massive step closer to farmers receiving the relief they are owed. Today, we are announcing that the aid we fought so hard for these last two years is ready for their taking. Nearly $53 million, the most money our state Department of Agriculture has ever had to distribute, is coming to farmers."

Eligible farmers should visit portal.ct.gov/FRS to sign up for program updates, review the required documentation, complete the adjusted gross revenue worksheets, and begin the application process.