The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is soliciting applications from individual farms and/or non-profits to identify, host and mentor a BIPOC apprentice(s) for the 2023 season. The focus of the apprenticeship must be on specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”
The CT DoAg has up to $50,000 in funds to award in 2023. Funding for this initiative is from USDA’s Specialty Crop Block
Grant Program. Prospective mentors may apply for up to $5,000/apprentice to be spent between mid-May- September 29, 2023. 

The deadline to apply to be considered to be a mentor/host is Monday, May 1, 2023 at 4pm. Please apply using this Cognito form. Preference will be given to mentors who identify as BIPOC, but it is not a requirement. 

Please read the attached guidance document for complete details. If you have questions or need assistance with completing the application, please contact Cyrena Thibodeau at CT DoAg , Cyrena.Thibodeau@ct.gov or 860-895-3094

Click here to view the guidance document.

Click here to apply.