"We have a generation of young farmers who want to become stewards of the land, but they have no land to farm," Rell said. "So much of our state's farmland has been developed that it has become very difficult for a new farmer to obtain land. We also have a generation of older farmers who have land but are unable to continue working it. Often, these older farmers do not have relatives interested in keeping the family farm going.
"This site will help farm owners and seekers share information. Registered participants are assigned a case number that is used for identification purposes. All personal information is kept strictly confidential until a promising match is made."
The site also provides information regarding farm transfer; family farm estate planning; succession planning; farm transfer strategies; farm leasing; formation of farm partnerships; and starting a farm business.
"Farmland is irreplaceable," stressed Department of Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli. "Once it is gone, it is gone forever. We hope this program helps preserve one of our most important and valuable resources -- land -- and keep it viable for many generations to come."
Earlier this month, Rell announced state investments in agriculture totaling $1,008,718 as part of an ongoing grant program to help expand and advance Connecticut's agricultural economy. Fourteen agricultural producers, six non-profit agricultural organizations and 18 municipalities from throughout the state have been awarded the Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grants, designed to strengthen Connecticut's agricultural job-base and to support and promote agriculture in the state.
