A new report highlights the economic contributions of Connecticut’s agricultural sector, including $4 billion to the state economy and providing 31,000 jobs.
“The numbers are significant and it’s important to recognize [agriculture’s] proper placement in the state economy,” says Rigoberto Lopez, professor of agricultural and resource economics.
The report was a collaborative effort between the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit East, and the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis (CCEA). Authors include Lopez; Tessa Getchis, aquaculture extension specialist for Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension; Danielle Duquette ‘24 (CAHNR); Christopher Laughton, director of knowledge exchange at Farm Credit East; Peter Gunter, senior research fellow at CCEA; and Fred Carstensen, director of CCEA and UConn professor of finance.
“Even in a relatively small, fairly urban state, agriculture contributes approximately $4 billion to the economy, and supports 31,000 jobs, on and off the farm,” Laughton says. “In addition, agriculture provides significant ecosystem services and preserves the state’s working landscape – contributions that can’t be readily quantified. No matter how you measure it – agriculture matters to Connecticut.”
The report demonstrates that, despite challenges posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the agriculture sector continues to grow.
“This economic impact report serves as a vital benchmark, revealing the profound significance of agriculture – not just as a source of sustenance, but as a cornerstone of economic vitality, community resilience, and sustainable growth,” says Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Building upon strong partnerships and collaboration, this data serve as a compass, guiding our programs and services at the agency to create a runway for future success through innovative solutions and the diversification of agriculture.”
The fastest-growing industries in Connecticut are its greenhouse operations and value-added products, like dairy and meat processing.
Connecticut does not compete with large agricultural states, like those in the Midwest, in terms of big crops like wheat or corn. Instead, most of the state’s agriculture focuses on what are considered “specialty crops” by the FDA like vegetables, fruit, and melons, as well as ornamental crops.
The state also has a robust aquatic farming industry which contributed $33.5 million and 500 jobs in 2022 according to the report.
“The industry produces a wide spectrum of products including oysters, clams, fish, kelp, aquatic plants, and corals, among others,” Getchis says. “Connecticut has a long history of shellfish production dating back centuries and is in fact today one of the leading producers on the U.S. East Coast.”
While the report highlights the economic benefits of the agricultural sector for the state, Lopez emphasizes it does not capture all the benefits the industry provides to the state including social factors. For example, farms in the state provide residents with access to local foods and events like farmer’s markets provide spaces for communities to gather.
“Residents can play an important role in preserving and supporting agriculture in Connecticut,” Lopez says.
At a recent press event to unveil the report, UConn officials underscored the value of the impact report and UConn’s role in helping Connecticut’s agricultural sectors to grow.
“Agriculture is part of the past, present, and future of Connecticut and its flagship university, UConn,” says CAHNR Dean Indrajeet Chaubey. “We’re committed to fueling the state’s economic engine, supporting agricultural industries, and preparing future leaders through specialized academic programs.”
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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