“The numbers are significant, and it’s important to recognize agriculture’s proper placement in the state economy,” says Rigoberto Lopez, professor of agricultural and resource economics.

Lopez and collaborators know these numbers inside and out. Last year, they released a report that shows Connecticut’s agricultural sector contributed $4 billion to the state economy and supported 31,000 jobs.

The report demonstrates that, despite challenges posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the agriculture sector continues to grow.

Connecticut does not compete with large agricultural states, like those in the Midwest, in terms of big crops like wheat or corn. Instead, most of the state’s agriculture focuses on what are considered “specialty crops” by the USDA like vegetables, fruit, and melons, as well as ornamental crops. The state’s fastest-growing industries are its greenhouse operations and value-added products, like dairy and meat processing.

While the report highlights the economic benefits of the agricultural sector for the state, Lopez emphasizes it does not capture all the benefits the industry provides to the state including environmental and social factors that enhance its residents’ quality of life.

“Residents can play an important role in preserving and supporting agriculture in Connecticut, such as buying local,” Lopez says.