Food safety information and resources for Connecticut consumers, producers, processors, retailers, and others to help produce and prepare safer food.

The CDC estimates that each year roughly 48 million people get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die of foodborne illness.

The safety of our food supply is the responsibility of all who grow, process, sell, prepare and eat food.

Choices made regarding the safe production, processing, preparation and consumption of food should be based on current science-based safe handling guidelines.

Help Is Coming for CT Farmers Hit by 2023 & 2024 Weather Events

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) has launched the Connecticut Farm Recovery & Support Block Grant Program (CT FRSBG) — a new program that will provide direct payments to Connecticut producers who suffered losses as a result of severe weather in 2023 and/or 2024. Funded through a USDA block grant, the program will help farmers recover from crop, infrastructure, and multi-year (future economic) losses.

The application portal is now open, and applications will be accepted through Monday, October 7, 2026. Now is the time to confirm whether you qualify and submit your application before the deadline.

Who may be eligible

  • You are a Connecticut agricultural producer (a farm from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were, or normally would have been, produced and sold).
  • You experienced a loss from a 2023 and/or 2024 weather event — such as frost/freeze, flooding, hail, drought, or excessive moisture.
  • Your loss falls into one of three categories: Crop Loss, Infrastructure Loss, or Future Economic Loss (perennial/multi-year crops).
  • Your loss is at least $500 in a given category and year.

Apply now

Applications are submitted through the online portal. Before you apply, gather:

  • Recent tax records — IRS Schedule F (Form 1040) or equivalent, and a completed W-9.
  • Your FSA Farm Number, if you have one.
  • Documentation of your loss — photos of damage, insurance settlements, and receipts, invoices, or repair estimates.
  • A list of your farm/operating locations and the specific crops or structures affected.

Learn more

Program details, eligibility, and frequently asked questions will be posted at https://portal.ct.gov/doag/adarc/adarc/disaster-relief-resources/farm-recovery-and-support-block-grant-program .

As a program outreach partner, UConn Extension can help point you to resources and walk you through the application. Contact us at extension@uconn.edu.

This program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Submission of an application does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or funding.