GROWING LOCAL ECONOMIES – Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development

Growing Local Economies

growing

LOCAL

ECONOMIES.

CT RC&D's programs are designed to grow Connecticut's economies while considering agricultural viability and natural resource conservation.

Encourage Local Economic Development

CT RC&D works to deliver programming that boosts local agriculture, outdoor recreation, and natural resource conservation, which all bring value to the state's economy.

Strategies

We have many strategies designed to boost economic development in Connecticut.

Develop and expand programs that provide access to capital, markets, equipment, and technical assistance.

Explore and implement innovative models, such as equipment sharing, cooperative processing or marketing, and demonstration farms, to strengthen local agricultural economies.

Promote buy-local initiatives to support local food systems and economies.

Deliver programs and workshops focused on sustainable agriculture, conservation, entrepreneurship, and business and marketing strategies.

Create mentorship networks linking experienced professionals with emerging leaders. Amplify local voices and ensure broad representation through community engagement.

Build partnerships that will advance projects that bridge agriculture, conservation, and economic development goals.

Developing resources to benefit all

Connecticut’s rural and urban communities are very different and mutually and fundamentally interdependent. Resources in rural communities are critical to the success of Connecticut’s urban areas, and resources demanded by urban areas provide vital economic support for rural lands. Rural lands and communities host water, forest, and agriculture resources which are vital to the health and well-being of all Connecticut residents.

While each of these unique geographic landscapes faces growth and preservation challenges, Connecticut rural communities have historically been overlooked as they attempt to preserve resources, treasured “New England small-town” character, and an equitable tax base.