Phone: 877 855 2237; 203 974 8500
Fax: 203 974 8502
Website: http://www.ct.gov/caes

Contact(s)
Dr. Louis A. Magnarelli - louis.magnarelli@po.state.ct.us

General Information
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the nation’s first state agricultural experiment station, is a separate state agency. Research and public outreach are the principal program areas. The main laboratories and offices are in New Haven, but research farms and other facilities are located in Griswold/Voluntown, Hamden (Lockwood Farm), and Windsor (Valley Laboratory). Scientists and other staff members are assigned to 6 departments: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry & Genetics, Entomology, Forestry & Horticulture, Plant Pathology & Ecology, and Soil & Water. The agency’s mission is to develop, advance, and disseminate scientific knowledge, improve agricultural productivity and environmental quality, protect plants, and enhance human health and well-being through research for the benefit of Connecticut residents and the nation. Seeking solutions across a variety of disciplines for the benefit of urban, suburban, and rural communities, Station scientists remain committed to “Putting Science to Work for Society”, a motto as relevant today as it was at our founding in 1875.

Research Activities
There are 4 main core areas of research: agriculture (includes food safety), forestry, public health, and soil and water quality. Studies are conducted on forest management, the biochemistry and genetics of plants, crops for biodiesel fuel, specialty crops for food and wine, encephalitis viruses in mosquitoes, pathogens transmitted by ticks, tick control, integrated pest management, mold control in schools and other buildings, plant diseases, and on invasive plants. Scientists collaborate with colleagues in nearly 40 states on a variety of multistate programs and also assist state and federal agencies by performing analyses to detect toxic chemicals in food and other products. There is a major initiative to find ways of reducing amounts of pesticides used in farming operations, golf courses, and homeowners’ lawns. New scientific findings are transferred to the public and the scientific community in written articles, by media interviews, in a web site, and by oral presentations.

Other Information
CT Employees: 105

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