On March 11, 2023, the Chief Elected Officials of the Town of Preston, North Stonington, Griswold, Voluntown, and Sterling were excited to hold an Agricultural Forum for farmers and businesses in agriculture. The event was well attended with over 60 farmers and businesses. Many agencies and legislators participated to provide information about their programs, resources available, funding and grant opportunities, and other key areas that might be helpful to them. The forum had formal presentations as well as Question and Answer, Break Out Sessions, and Networking segments. We would like to thank the many agencies and individuals who made this so successful: Paul Whitescarver, Executive Director, SeCTer; Joan Nichols, Executive Director, CT Farm Bureau; Bryan Hurlburt, Commissioner, Dept of Agriculture; Sarah Kubik Norwich County Executive Director, Melanie Exley, Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Service Agency; Scott Soares, State Director, USDA, Southern New England Rural Development; U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney’s Office; State Senator Heather Somers; State Representative Anne Dauphinais; State Representative Greg Howard; and State Representative Brian Lanoue.

