Saud Anwar

Sen. Anwar Welcomes Agricultural Grant for Pell Strawberries in South Windsor

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today welcomed news that a South Windsor farm has applied for and received a state agricultural grant that will help strengthen farmers who are looking to expand, diversify or improve their existing operations.

Pell Strawberries, LLC was part of a package of 24 farm grants totaling nearly $500,000 in matching state grants announced today by state Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt as part of that department’s Farm Transition Grant program.

“Today, we benefit from the actions of the past, where 15 years ago, the General Assembly took action to fund farmland and historic preservation programs,” said Sen. Anwar. “Those programs are still directly benefitting our communities today, protecting open spaces and vital farmland supporting small businesses across the state. I’m happy for Pell Strawberries in its receipt of this important grant.”

In the “Infrastructure Investment” category, Pell Strawberries, LLC has been awarded a grant to purchase equipment intended to extend the indoor strawberry growing season. Pell Strawberries offers nursery products, strawberries and cut-your-own Christmas trees in the north-central Connecticut area.

The Farm Transition Grant Program is a competitive matching grant program with state funding provided through a public act passed 16 years ago, in 2005, titled “An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Land Protection, Affordable Housing, and Historic Preservation.” State grant funds are reimbursed to the farm after its project is successfully completed, and a final financial and written report outlining all expenses and tasks associated with the project has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted.
Connecticut is home to more than 5,500 farms contributing more than $4 billion to the state’s economy.