Constitution State News

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is currently accepting applications from vendors interested in securing agricultural booth spaces within the Connecticut Building at The Big E for 2025. This building is one of six New England structures located on the Avenue of the States at The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The event, spanning 17 days, will run from September 12 to September 28, 2025. It provides an opportunity for farms, small agricultural businesses, and agricultural non-profit organizations based in Connecticut to market their products and promote their services.

In 2024, The Big E saw attendance exceed 1.6 million visitors, setting a new overall record as well as seven single-day records. "Participation in the CT Building at The Big E has provided Connecticut’s farm businesses with increased consumer activity during, and after, the annual event," said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. "We are seeking innovative CT agricultural businesses showcasing the wide scope of CT Grown farm products from the Ground to the Sound and encourage eligible entities to apply for consideration."

Eligible participants include agricultural businesses and non-profits that have an agricultural mission aimed at showcasing Connecticut's diverse agriculture to over a million attendees visiting the Connecticut Building. Special events such as Connecticut Day on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and Harvest New England Day on Friday, September 26, 2025, are also planned.

In the previous year, thirty businesses were featured in the Connecticut Building at The Big E. These included producers of CT Grown farm products like wine, dairy items, honey, maple syrup, fiber products along with jams, jellies, sauces and goat milk products.

The deadline for submitting applications for these spaces is set for Friday, March 28, 2025 by 4:00 p.m. Additional information can be found by visiting www.ctgrown.gov or applying directly through their website. For further questions regarding this opportunity contact Erin Windham via email at Erin.Windham@ct.gov.

Connecticut farm wineries interested in selling wine by the glass are also encouraged to apply by April 11th at 4:00 p.m., directing inquiries to Ally Hughes at Allison.Hughes@ct.gov.

The mission of CT DoAg is to foster a healthy economic environment for agriculture through development and promotion while protecting resources and enforcing relevant laws pertaining to domestic animals. They aim to enhance understanding among citizens about Connecticut's diverse agriculture heritage and its contribution towards the state economy.

For media inquiries please reach out to Rebecca Eddy via email at Rebecca.Eddy@ct.gov or call her directly at 860-573-0323.