Dear John,

I am writing with a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work. 

On Wednesday, I hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh for a tour of Freund's Farm in East Canaan and a visit to Paley's Farm Market & Garden Center in Sharon. During the visit, Deputy Secretary Bronaugh was able to see some of the incredibly innovative farming pursuits happening across the Fifth District of Connecticut. I was excited to convene an informational roundtable with small and beginning farmers during the visit.

For a full recap, please read below. 

Freund’s Farm Market, East Canaan

Nestled in the northwest corner of our state is Freund’s Farm. For years, Freund’s has been a source of support for the local community and a leader in sustainable farming. Most notably, Freund’s is the creator of CowPots, or biodegradable products using 100% renewable and recycled composted cow manure. Freund’s Farm is also home to the first robotic milking machine in Connecticut.

During the tour, second and third generation farmers and members of the Freund family explained the innovative practices that have allowed what started as a roadside stand nearly 40 years ago, to evolve into the expansive operation that stands today – a farm market, bakery, garden center, catering business and dairy farm. 

Farm Grants Roundtable

After our tour, we convened a roundtable with representatives from small and beginning farms across Connecticut’s Fifth District. During the conversation, constituents and stakeholders had the opportunity to hear directly from Deputy Secretary Bronaugh and learn about opportunities available at USDA, many of which I have supported through the Congressional appropriations process. 

These opportunities include: 

• USDA Farm to School Program: competitive grants that support the planning, developing and implementation of making local food and agricultural education available to child nutrition programs. In school year 2018-2019, 630 Connecticut schools with over 300,000 students participate in Farm-to-School Programs.

• USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): assists agricultural producers and rural small businesses in obtaining renewable energy systems or making energy efficient improvements. In 2021, Freund Farm received a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant to make energy efficient improvements.

It was informative to have such diverse perspectives included in this conversation. We were joined at the roundtable by  representatives from UCONN Agricultural Extension, students from Shepaug Valley Agriscience Program, members of Brass City Harvest, and representatives from the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, among others. 

Paley’s Farm Market & Garden Center, Sharon

I wrapped up the day with Deputy Secretary Bronaugh at Paley's Farm Market in Sharon. Paley’s boasts 40 years of success in the agricultural sector. Recently, Paley’s Farm Market was awarded $3,808 in REAP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant funding to install a new energy-efficient refrigeration and lighting system. 

As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Nutrition Oversight and Department Operations, and a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I remain committed to supporting American farmers and expanding access to agricultural education and nutrition programs. 

I am thankful for the partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and look forward to continuing to bring federal resources back to the Fifth District of Connecticut. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.  To hear more about my work in Congress, subscribe to my newsletter here.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress