The State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture will accept agricultural lease proposals from interested farmers wishing to lease farmland described herein for a period beginning no sooner than October 2010.  Proposals must be submitted in writing to the address below and postmarked by February 1, 2010.

 

Approximately 263 acres of cropland and pasture, with improvements, are available for farm lease.  Owned by the State, Department of Agriculture, the farm is located on the northerly and southerly sides of Norwich Avenue, also known as Old Route 2, the easterly and westerly sides of Foote Hill Road, and the westerly side of Geer Road in the towns of Lebanon and Colchester, Connecticut.  The land presently is in corn, grass hay and pasture.  A dairy facility, with a milking center barn and other agricultural structures, is located on the northerly side of Norwich Avenue and westerly side of Roger Foote Road in Lebanon.  A house located at 532 Norwich Avenue in Lebanon is available for farmer tenant housing on the premises. 

 

Proposals may be submitted for all or portions of the property in the following scenarios:  (1) for land, dairy facility and house at 532 Norwich Avenue, all located on the northerly side of Norwich Avenue (163 ± acres), or (2) for land on the southerly side of Norwich Avenue (100 ± acres) or, (3) on the entire farm acreage (263 ± acres) with said improvements.  Other scenarios may be considered if requested.  If a dairy is proposed, no more than 80 mature milking and dry cows are permitted to be housed on the land at any given time during the lease period.  Care, maintenance and upkeep of the farm is required.  The property must be kept in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the storage and disposal of trash, manure, waste and spoiled feed.  The Lessee will be required to submit and utilize a USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and State-approved Conservation Plan and follow best management practices for utilization of the land during the term of the agreement.  The Lessee will be required to establish a cover on the cropped areas for the fall seasons and at the end of the permit period.  The Lessee will also be required to keep areas mowed or brushed hogged on at least an annual basis.  Application of pesticides and herbicides may only be made by a State-licensed and certified applicator, with prior notification and approval by the Department of Agriculture, and in accordance with all applicable State laws. 

 

Proposals will be reviewed by the Commissioner and an advisory committee.  Food and fiber producing agricultural activities will be considered a priority.  Overall impact on the productivity and condition of the land by the submitted applications will be considered by the State.  The lease(s) may be for a term of up to five years, with the option to renew, at the discretion of the Commissioner, for an additional five years.  Cropland use will be reviewed on an annual basis between the tenant farmer and the State.  The submission of proposals will not be binding on the State of Connecticut, nor does it constitute a competitive bid.  The Commissioner reserves the right to reject any and all proposals not in the best interest of the State. 

 

For a bid request form, additional information or sketches of the areas available for farm lease, please call 860.713.2511 and leave your name, mailing address, phone number and information being requested. 

 

Proposals should be addressed to: Farmland Preservation Program, CT Department of Agriculture, Lebanon Farm Bid Proposal, Room G-8, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.  Proposals must be postmarked by February 1, 2010 to be eligible for consideration.