Ledyard — The Full Heart Farm is receiving one of 24 grants being disbursed by the state Department of Agriculture to help farms expand, diversify or improve their existing operations.

A news release issued by Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlbutt says the family-owned farm on Iron Street will use the matching grant to construct a multi-purpose building and commercial kitchen.

The farm's website, fullheartfarm.com, says the farm grows more than 250 varieties of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers each year, supplying local restaurants and its Farm Share program, in which members purchase a share of the harvest each season and in exchange receive a selection of fresh vegetables each week. The farm also operates a small stand on its site.

The funding is part of a Farm Transitions Grant Program that was approved by a public act passed in 2005. The state grant funds are reimbursed to the farm after the planned improvements are completed, and a final financial report outlining all expenses and tasks associated with the project has been received and approved, and a site inspection by state officials is conducted.

"Agriculture is at the heart of everything in eastern Connecticut," state Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, said in a news release. The farm "is typical of the commitment that small-scale farmers have had to our region, and to their neighbors, for centuries. I'm so happy for Full Heart Farm."

In all, nearly $500,000 in matching state grants were issued to farmers across the state in this latest round of funding. The Baldwin Brook Farm in Canterbury and Walden Farm in Moodus also received grant money.

State agricultural officials say Connecticut is home to more than 5,500 farms contributing more than $4 billion to the state's economy.