Farm Scoop

Farm Scoop – March 2017

Free Renewable Energy Workshop Tuesday, April 11, 2017 GPCOG is hosting a Free Renewable Energy Workshop for Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses. They will have information on how to access USDA Rural Development guaranteed loan or competitive grant funds for the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects. They […]

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Farm Scoop – February 2017

Survey: Farmers and “Intermediated Markets” A new study, funded by USDA, and led by Syracuse University, New York University, the Pennsylvania State University, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) seeks to examine local and regional agricultural production and intermediated markets. The study will examine the opportunities and risks of four main marketing opportunities […]

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Farm Scoop – January 2017

SNAP for Direct Marketing Farmers and Farmers Markets — FREE Webinars USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink, an online solution […]

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Farm Scoop – December 2016

USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers USDA Maine Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, SED Donovan E. Todd, III , reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA defines underserved applicants as a […]

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Farm Scoop – November 2016

2016 Maine Food Network Gathering Friday, December 2, 2016, 8:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Reception to follow. Wells Conference Center, University of Maine, Orono This is the must-attend event for people working and engaged in Maine’s local food sectors. Here’s a preview of the day: Learn ways to increase consumer interest in local Maine food Discover resources […]

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Farm Scoop – October 2016

Applications Sought for Northeast SARE Committees The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is a federal competitive grants program that supports projects aimed at enhancing the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of farming. SARE relies on a diverse group of individuals from across the agricultural community to provide leadership that will keep our […]

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Farm Scoop – September 2016

Maine Farms for the Future – Phase 1: Business Plan Development Grant The State of Maine is seeking proposals from eligible farms seeking to compete for the Maine Farms for the Future – Phase 1: Business Plan Development grant. A copy of the RFP can be obtained by contacting the RFP Coordinator: Lester Dancer. The RFP Coordinator […]

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Farm Scoop – August 2016

USDA Designates 8 Counties in New Hampshire as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated eight counties in New Hampshire as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by freeze and unseasonably warm temperatures that occurred from Feb. 1, 2016, through April […]

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Farm Scoop – July 2016

Maine Producers Reminded of Nearing Deadline to Submit Nominations for Farm Service Agency County Committees The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Maine Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, SED Don Todd, today reminded farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until August 1, 2016, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA […]

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Farm Scoop – June 2016

Maine Migrant Education Program The Maine Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally-funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title I, Part C) that provides supplemental educational services to the children of seasonal agricultural and fishing workers that move to new school districts in order to obtain work in industries such as blueberries, […]

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