Grants for Dairy Farmers Authorized

Rep. Mike Alberts applauded the legislature for approving a measure to create a grant program for milk producers. Alberts has been lobbying for aid to dairy farmers who are struggling with high costs.

The bill, SB 891, creates an account to assist milk producers and funds it with a two-year increase in the fee people pay, from $30 to $40, when filing land records with town clerks. It will raise an estimated $6.9 million over two years in additional funds. 

The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to use $500,000 of the funds for the agricultural viability grant program, $500,000 for the farm transition program, $100,000 for the CT Grown program, $75,000 for the CT Farm link program, and the remainder for the newly created agricultural sustainability account established under the bill.  

Alberts said, “I have been working with Democrats and Republicans from across the state to provide immediate relief for the remaining 150 dairy farms in our state, 18 of which are in my district. This measure provides that relief.” 

”Once farms are lost, they are gone forever. We cannot afford to lose thousands of acres of farmland that contribute to the rural environment and quality of life in our area. Further, the loss of these dairy farms would eliminate a major source of locally produced food that is fresh and often organically grown. 

“Milk prices paid to dairy farmers barely cover feed for their cows. The high cost of doing business has caused several dairy farms in my district to go out of business this year alone. 

”We in the legislature hear the plight of the farmers and are working to preserve farmland from development and protect 4,200 jobs and a $1.3 billion contribution to the state economy. 

”For centuries, farmers have been the backbone of our communities, providing fresh dairy products and produce, local jobs and tax revenues, scenic views, habitats for wildlife and recreational opportunities, and active membership in our volunteer fire departments. We need to keep them here for centuries to come.