Alumni Research & Discovery UConn Voices

April 3, 2023 | Jessica McBride, PhD - College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Celebrating Connecticut Agriculture

With roots in traditional agriculture, CAHNR highlighted the future of this critical industry in Connecticut as part of the state's ag week celebrations

With roots in traditional agriculture, CAHNR highlighted the future of this critical industry in Connecticut as part of the state's ag week celebrations ()

Three men talking
CAHNR Dean Indrajeet Chaubey (center) with Governor Ned Lamont (right) and CT Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan Hurlburt (left) at Connecticut Ag Day 2023. (Contributed photo)

UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) headed to the state capitol to celebrate Connecticut’s rich agricultural heritage, as well as innovations that will support its future.

As part of the Connecticut Ag Week, a series of events hosted by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Dean Indrajeet Chaubey, Associate Dean for Extension Amy Harder, and CAHNR alum Christian Heiden (’21) participated in  a press conference on the Future of Agriculture in Connecticut. They were joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, State Representative Joseph P. Gresko, and State Senator Cathy Osten.

“In the agricultural community, we are talking a lot about climate smart agriculture, climate resilient agriculture, and we know how important outreach and education will be to getting these practices and methodologies incorporated on the farm,” says

Smiling students
CAHNR students Emily Syme and Matt Syrotiak attend CT Ag Day events on behalf of UConn Extension. (Contributed photo)

Commissioner Hurlburt. “CAHNR plays a crucial role in that effort – research and development, outreach, and working with the farmers on implementation.”

“Some people may not be aware that CAHNR is UConn’s oldest college, originally founded as the Storrs Agricultural College in 1881,” says Dean Chaubey. “We are very proud of those roots in traditional agriculture and farming in Connecticut. But, over time, we have continued to innovate, evolve, and respond to the needs of our communities.”

Connecticut Ag Day

CAHNR continued to recognize Connecticut’s strong agricultural traditions the following day at Connecticut Ag Day 2023. This event returned to an in-person format for the first time since the Covid pandemic. Exhibitors from around the state, including many CAHNR faculty, students, and programs, celebrated the diversity and success of Connecticut’s agriculture. The event connects farmers and other visitors with their state legislators, gives attendees the chance to sample CT Grown goods, and see the presentation of the Outstanding Young Farmer, Century Farm, and Ag Journalism awards.

Panel discussion
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz (center) at the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls “Women Leading in Agriculture” event at UConn Extension’s Farmington office (Contributed photo)

Women Leaders in Agriculture

The week’s festivities ended with a panel discussion led by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz at the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls “Women Leading in Agriculture” event. The discussion was held at UConn Extension’s Farmington office and was moderated by CAHNR alum and Dept of Ag Bureau Director Jaime Smith.

This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

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