Dairy Farm Relief Payments Begin

Emergency program to help producers offset financial losses

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has distributed more than $11.8 million in Rapid Relief Dairy Payments to 64 Connecticut dairy farms through the Dairy Farm Sustainability & Viability Grant Program. The emergency funding is intended to help dairy producers offset significant financial losses resulting from declining milk prices and challenging market conditions.

An additional $3 million distribution is planned for October, while the remaining $7.5 million of the $22.5 million allocation will be considered as part of longer-term planning efforts for the state’s dairy industry.

Under Public Act 26-75, CT DoAg has also established the Dairy Farming Sustainability Working Group to develop long-term recommendations to support Connecticut’s dairy sector. Areas of focus include reimbursable tax credits, potential use of Community Investment Act funds, in-state processing capacity, and property tax considerations.

The working group includes representatives from state agencies, dairy cooperatives, independent producers, and agricultural organizations. It held its first meeting in June and will continue meeting through the end of 2026, with a final report due to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027.

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