Building on the success of this report, AFT and CCM recently invited applications for up to 25 hours of technical assistance to implement some of the strategies discussed in the guide.   AFT and CCM were pleased to receive eleven applications from towns across the state.  Out of these applicants, the project’s advisory team selected six municipalities to receive technical assistance.

The towns are Coventry, Durham, Eastford, North Stonington, Preston, and Woodbridge.  

“We are excited about providing technical assistance to towns interested in sustaining their farms and farmland,” says Jiff Martin. AFT’s Connecticut State Director.  “We see municipalities across the state eager to apply concepts in the guide to help preserve farmland and support agricultural businesses, but many are unsure where to begin.”

AFT will assist town officials in helping to decide and develop strategies appropriate for their community.   Some such strategies include: establishing an Agricultural Commission; reviewing farm tax reduction options; financing options for farmland protection projects; encouraging buy local opportunities; including agriculture in town conservation and development plans; reviewing local zoning ordinances; and developing right-to-farm ordinances.

AFT will coordinate the technical assistance to the selected towns in partnership with CCM and several members of the advisory team. To the municipalities that were not selected to receive the full amount of technical assistance, AFT will offer presentations and additional resources.

To request copies of the guide, learn more about outreach presentations, or if you have questions, please contact AFT’s Connecticut State Director Jiff Martin.  She can be reached by email at jmartin@farmland.org or by phone at 860-638-4230.

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