Beginning Farmer Programs

Americans want healthy organic food to feed their families. Today, 82% of American households purchase organic produce and demand for organic continues to rise. In fact, over the past two decades, demand consistently outpaced domestic production capacity. Imported organic ingredients and finished goods fill the gap, with the United States spending an estimated $8.9 billion on organic imports in 2024, according to research by the Organic Trade Association in 2025.

In our previous update, we discussed the potential effects of the federal grant funding freeze on CT NOFA’s ability to continue our full slate of programs and services. Although our pledged grant funds continue to be frozen and are without a timeline for resolution, we want to be clear about our position: while some of our programs and communications will become more limited in scope, CT NOFA is not shutting down.

Roughly two-thirds of CT NOFA’s budget for 2025 is tied to federal grant funding, primarily through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Without restoration of these previously pledged grant funds by the federal government or significant growth in grassroots donations and support, CT NOFA will be forced to cease operations and lay off all staff, beginning May 1.

CT NOFA has a new roster of microscopy courses slated for early in 2025. Trainings include 3 recorded virtual sessions (made available to participants at time of registration) and 1…

CT NOFA is happy to announce our newest slate of microscopy courses. Trainings will be held at: October 26, Simsbury Community Farm in Simsbury, CT THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL…

NBC Connecticut recently interviewed CT NOFA board member, Freedom Gerardo, about his work as co-director of the Venture Farming Institute, “a farming education program here in Connecticut [that] is assisting…