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For the People

SPECIAL REPORT: Ag Day 2026 @ the Connecticut Capital

·59 min·5 clips
Connecticut's Farm Transition Grant program saw a record 123 applications requesting nearly $5 million.
The episode is a special report from Ag Day 2026 at the Connecticut State Capitol, hosted by John Voquette. It begins with an interview with Agricultural Commissioner Brian Hurlburt, who notes a record turnout of FFA and 4-H students. Hurlburt details the Farm Transition Grant program, which received 123 applications requesting nearly $5 million, a significant increase from previous years. He emphasizes Connecticut agriculture's $4 billion economic impact, 31,000 jobs, and 5,000 farms. The commissioner also mentions a new $3 million annual rural health initiative focused on food-as-medicine. The host then moves to the exhibit area, speaking with Jason Gore from Jones Family Farm and Winery about agritourism and year-round operations. Joe DiLorenzo from the Association of Connecticut Fairs discusses the state's 40 agricultural fairs, including the historic Durham Fair. Lillian Ruiz of the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation explains soil quality and urban forestry programs. Scientists Sarah Nason and Kelsey Fisher from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station talk about PFAS testing in farm soils and pollinator habitat research, respectively. Caitlin Kimball, a farmer with Sunset Farm and City Seed, describes her organic farm and City Seed's food hub and business incubator. Matt Fitzpatrick of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association outlines efforts to promote native plants and address invasive species. The episode concludes with host sign-off and program details.

As heard by us

A grounded Capitol-side look at how Connecticut fairs keep agriculture connected to local communities.

Connecticut agriculture gets a clear community frame in this Capitol report, as For the People uses Ag Day to connect Connecticut Grown agriculture and aquaculture with the fairs and gatherings that keep them visible.

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Want Connecticut agriculture mapped through the fairs that make Connecticut Grown feel close to home?

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