Economy

Agriculture Adds $4 Billion to CT Economy, Report Shows – UConn Today

A new report highlights the economic contribution of Connecticut’s agriculture sector, including $4 billion in the state economy and providing 31,000 jobs.

“Numbers are important and important to be aware of [agriculture’s] to be properly placed in the national economy,” says Rigoberto Lopez, professor of agricultural and resource economics.

The report was a joint 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 researcher at CCEA; and Fred Carstensen, CCEA director and UConn professor of finance.

“Even in a relatively small, relatively small state, agriculture contributes about $4 billion to the economy, and supports 31,000 jobs, both off and on the farm,” Laughton says. In addition, agriculture provides important environmental services and maintains a state’s functioning—contributions that cannot be easily quantified. No matter how you measure it – agriculture is important to Connecticut. “

The report shows that, despite the challenges posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the agricultural sector is growing.

“This economic impact report serves as an important measure, revealing the deep importance of agriculture – not only a source of food, but as the basis of economic strength, community resilience and sustainable growth,” says Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Building on strong partnerships and collaborations, these data serve as a compass, guiding our programs and services at the center to create a path for future success through innovative solutions and the exchange of agriculture.”

The fastest growing industries in Connecticut are its greenhouse operations and value-added products, such as dairy and meat production.

Connecticut does not compete with major agricultural states, such as those in the Midwest, for major crops such as wheat or corn. Instead, much of the country’s agriculture focuses on what the FDA says are “specialty crops” such as vegetables, fruits and melons, as well as ornamental crops.

The state also has a strong aquaculture industry that will generate $33.5 million and 500 jobs by 2022, according to the report.

“The industry produces many products including oysters, clams, fish, kelp, seaweed and coral, among others,” Getchis says. “Connecticut has a long history of shellfish production that dates back centuries and in fact today is one of the leading producers on the American East Coast.”

Although the report highlights the economic benefits of the agricultural sector for the government, Lopez emphasizes that it does not take into account all the benefits that the industry provides to the government, including social conditions. For example, state farms provide residents with access to local food and events such as farmers’ markets provide places for the community to gather.

“Citizens can play an important role in preserving and supporting agriculture in Connecticut,” Lopez says.

At a recent press event to release the report, UConn officials emphasized the importance of the impact report and UConn’s role in helping Connecticut’s agricultural sector grow.

“Agriculture is part of the past, present and future of Connecticut and its flagship university, UConn,” says CAHNR Dean Indrajeet Chaubey. “We intend to strengthen the national economy, support agricultural industries, and prepare future leaders through special educational programs.”

This work is related to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area of ​​focus Ensuring a Viable and Sustainable Agriculture Industry and Food Supply.

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