Agriculture contributes $4 billion to the state’s economy, and every March the North Lobby of the Connecticut State Capitol fills with the people and organizations behind that impact. Agricultural groups, state agencies, industry associations, UConn 4-H members, and Connecticut FFA students gather for Ag Day at the Capitol to showcase the breadth of what Connecticut agriculture produces, from maple syrup to daffodils, and to remind residents and policymakers how essential a vibrant agricultural system is to food security and economic development.

For UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), Ag Day is both a celebration and a reflection of its year-round commitment to advancing agriculture across Connecticut through extension engagement, education, and research. As the state’s land-grant college, CAHNR plays a central role in supporting agricultural innovation, preparing the next generation of leaders, and connecting science to practice in communities statewide.

This year, CAHNR was well represented at the Capitol. UConn Extension, which led organization for CAHNR groups and is a key part of UConn’s land-grant mission, brought the College’s commitment to life at the event. Extension professionals representing aquaculture, livestock, soil health, farm-to-school programs, greenhouse and fruit production, poultry, and diagnostic testing shared the latest resources and expertise available to producers and communities. A soil health demonstration illustrated how healthy soils absorb increased water flow during extreme rainfall events compared to compacted soils, helping attendees see firsthand the value of soil stewardship. The Connecticut Sea Grant Extension team brought tanks and shellfish to introduce visitors to the thriving underwater agriculture in Long Island Sound through hands-on displays and conversations with aquaculture experts.

CAHNR’s Office of Academic Programs also engaged with prospective students and families, sharing information about the College’s degree programs and the wide range of career pathways in agriculture, environmental science, and food systems. Their presence highlighted CAHNR’s commitment to student success and workforce development at a time when interest in agricultural careers continues to grow.

CAHNR’s research enterprise was reflected throughout the exhibits and conversations at Ag Day. Faculty and staff contribute to advancing agricultural resilience, supporting farm viability, and strengthening food systems through science-based solutions. Recent analyses underscore the importance of agriculture to Connecticut’s economy, while ongoing research helps producers adapt to challenges such as climate variability, emerging pests and diseases, and evolving market demands.

Interim Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan also attended the event, reinforcing the College’s leadership in Connecticut agriculture. During the Governor’s remarks, youth attendees, including members of the Future Farmers of America, were encouraged to consider pursuing their education at CAHNR, recognizing the College’s strength and momentum in preparing students for impactful careers in the agricultural and natural resource sectors.

“At CAHNR, our work reflects a simple idea that has guided since our founding in 1881: by supporter a stronger Connecticut, we are creating stronger communities,” says Venkitanarayanan. “When we support agriculture, we support the vitality of our towns, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural producers.”

UConn 4-H Day at the Capitol, held in conjunction with Ag Day, further emphasized CAHNR and UConn Extension’s role in developing future leaders. Youth participants engaged with elected officials, learned about the legislative process, and explored career pathways across agriculture and related industries, building connections between education, civic engagement, and workforce development.

Beyond the Capitol, CAHNR’s impact is sustained through year-round programming, research, and partnerships. UConn Extension works with farmers, residents, and communities in every county to address critical challenges, from extreme weather preparedness to business planning and best management practices. Educational programs, field days, and conferences connect producers with the latest research and foster peer learning across sectors, including fruit and vegetable production, livestock operations, and turfgrass management.

Local agriculture remains central to food security in Connecticut, reducing reliance on supply chains from other regions. CAHNR supports these systems through integrated efforts that span research, Extension, and education. Initiatives such as farm-to-school programming, food safety training, and support for food entrepreneurs strengthen connections between producers and communities while building more resilient supply chains for the future.

Ag Day at the Capitol highlights the shared commitment among farmers, educators, researchers, and policymakers to ensure agriculture continues to thrive in Connecticut. For CAHNR, it is an opportunity to demonstrate how its work across disciplines and communities contributes to a strong, sustainable agricultural system that supports the state’s economy, environment, and future generations.

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