News & Events

Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, March 12, 2020

Augusta, Maine Present: Board of Agriculture Members: A. Beal; D. Bell; S. Belle; H. Carter; R. Causey; J. Dill; C. Hickman; E. Mallory; D. Marean; M. Meyerhans; D. Pierson; J. Smith; H. Spalding; L. Turner (for R. Turner) University of Maine Representatives: R. Brzozowski; M. Hutton; M. Teisl; J. Ward University of Maine System Representatives: […]

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Farm Scoop – March 2020

COVID-19 and Maine Ag FAQ University of Maine has just launched a site for you to submit your COVID-19 related agriculture questions. Answers will be posted on this FAQ site. Please submit your questions and share with other farmers. New England Grassroots Environmental Fund The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is for groups of three people minimum, […]

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Federal Risk Management Programs Expanded to Include Maine Grown Hemp

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of two programs that protect hemp producers’ crops from yield loss resulting from adverse weather such as drought, excess moisture, hail, frost, freeze, etc.  Maine was one of twenty-one states included in a pilot hemp Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) program.  The MPCI program provides coverage against loss […]

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Farm Scoop – February 2020

Wild Blueberry Conference 2020 UMaine Wild Blueberry Conference Date: February 22, 2020 (Snow date Feb 29) Location: Hollywood Casino, 500 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401 Time: 8:30 am – 4:15 pm Registration Deadline: February 16, 2020. Register early, space is limited to 200. Growing Hemp in Maine Interest in hemp production has increased significantly with the passage of […]

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2020 Crop Insurance Deadline Approaches

March 15, 2020 is the deadline to enroll, cancel, or change policy coverage for crop insurance on spring-seeded crops in Maine such as corn, sweet corn, barley, oats, spring wheat, and potato.  Those producing other, “non-insurable” spring-seeded crops such as tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, etc. may seek coverage through the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) available through the Farm […]

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Hemp Crop Insurance Pilot 

Qualified hemp growers in Maine will be eligible for a hemp crop insurance pilot program.  The Multi-Peril coverage is for hemp grown for fiber, grain or CBD oil for the 2020 crop year. Policy details are forthcoming.  The deadline to enroll for 2020 coverage is March 15, 2020. To learn more, contact a private licensed crop […]

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Farm Scoop – January 2020

Deadline for Conservation Reserve Program General Signup USDA Reminds Producers of February 28, 2020 deadline for Conservation Reserve Program General Signup.  CRP is a land conservation program administered by FSA. In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that […]

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Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, December 20, 2019

McIntire Room, Buchanan Alumni Center, University of Maine Orono, Maine Present: Board of Agriculture Members: A. Beal; D. Bell; S. Belle; H. Carter; J. Dill; D. Flannery (for Gregg Garrison, Maine Potato Board); J. Jordan; E. Mallory; D. Marean; M. Meyerhans; Dale Pierson; J. Smith; H. Spalding, L. Titus; R. Turner (for Eric Seaman, Maine […]

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Farm Scoop – December 2019

Boots-2-Bushels: Boot Camp for Market Gardeners and Farmers Do you want to learn how to go from seed to salary with this FREE course for military veterans interested in growing and selling their own farm produce? Participants who attend all classes and participate in the growing program will earn a Certificate of Completion and Letter […]

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Farm Scoop – November 2019

Farming for Wholesale 101 + 201 Registration is OPEN Registration is now open for The Business of Farming for Wholesale. Are you an experienced Maine farmer who wants make more money wholesaling your products?  Farming for Wholesale helps farmers participate in, or scale up for, wholesale markets. We combine ongoing farm business planning assistance with […]

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