Sen. Cohen Welcomes $52.9M for Connecticut Farmers
Today, State Senator Christine Cohen welcomed news that Connecticut will receive a $52.9 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant for farmers who experienced weather related losses in 2023 and 2024.
Constituent Willie Dellacamera of Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm in Northford has been instrumental in getting these dollars to Connecticut farmers. He made headlines in 2024 when a hail storm decimated his crops and ability to make a living. Demanding federal assistance for local farmers across the country, Willie drove his tractor to Washington D.C. to advocate for a $220 million federal block grant to support small and medium farms like his, as well as $21 billion to cover agriculture losses caused by natural disasters.
The block grant funding was approved in December of 2024 and included $23 million for Connecticut farms; however funding was not released until July 2026.
In 2025 while the federal support remained in limbo, Senator Cohen, Willie Dellacamera, Keith Bishop of Bishop’s Orchards and many others worked together to pass comprehensive legislation to support Connecticut farms, including a state-backed safety net for farmers facing crop losses due to extreme weather.
“Farmers are critical to our food supply and they are faced with all sorts of obstacles – extreme weather events, tariffs, cold snaps, insects and more,” said Sen. Cohen. “When they are facing tough times, they need to know that we have their backs. I am so grateful to Willie for his advocacy and resilience, ensuring these dollars will finally reach the farmers who need it. I hope that the federal government will answer the call more promptly the next time our farmers need a hand.”
If you are a Connecticut farmer who experienced weather-related losses please visit https://portal.ct.gov/FRS to apply for assistance.
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