North Central Connecticut Bee Farm Gets Boost From State

UNION, CT — A north central Connecticut bee farm is causing a buzz in Hartford with a subsidy from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm Transition Grant program.

State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35th District) announced the grant Thursday.

The Union Bee Company in Union is being awarded $5,000 for milling logs for bee colony assembly, according to Gordon.

The grant program is offered to the state’s agricultural producers and cooperatives seeking to expand, diversify and improve their existing operation. CT DoAg has awarded a total of $549,649 to 30 projects across the state this year through its FTG program to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut farmers.

"This funding enables local farmers to complete a strategic project, helping them to grow and adapt to a changing landscape. When they succeed, our region does as well," Gordon said. "I want to thank CT DoAg for their commitment to supporting our state's farmers. I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that Connecticut's agricultural industry remains strong and vibrant."

Union Bee Company is a family owned apiary operated by former Army Ranger Tom Bacon, who calls himself, "a lifelong carpenter and woodworker and avid beekeeper" on the company website.

Union Bee Company maintains more than 30 hives, sells honey locally, and has expanded to offer "propolis encouraging hives."

Woodware, honey and bees are available for purchase.