{"id":11220,"date":"2020-03-06T12:34:10","date_gmt":"2020-03-06T17:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/?p=11220"},"modified":"2020-05-22T10:08:02","modified_gmt":"2020-05-22T14:08:02","slug":"farm-scoop-march-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/2020\/03\/06\/farm-scoop-march-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Farm Scoop – March 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

COVID-19 and Maine Ag FAQ<\/strong><\/h3>\n

University of Maine has just launched a site for you to submit your COVID-19 related agriculture questions<\/a>. Answers will be posted on this\u00a0FAQ site<\/a>. Please submit your questions and share with other farmers.<\/p>\n

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New England Grassroots Environmental Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is for groups of three people minimum, that are community-driven efforts with annual budgets under $100,000, now affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.\u00a0 Many farmers markets in Maine could fit the parameters, and probably other multi-farm based marketing groups in the state.\u00a0\u00a0This is a great opportunity to financially support changes to farmers markets that would ensure the safety of your customers and vendors. It could also potentially fund a shift to pick-up\/delivery models.\u00a0 For more information please visit Grassroots Fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Interim Guidance for Essential Agriculture Businesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has developed interim guidelines to help answer owner and employee questions about essential agriculture, horticulture, and animal care operations. The department\u2019s website containing a broad range of COVID-19 resources is also available at https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/covid19\/.<\/a><\/p>\n

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American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n

American Farmland Trust will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Eligible applicants include any small and mid-size direct-market producers. These are defined as producers with annual gross revenue of between $10,000 and $1 million from sales at farmers markets and\/or direct sales to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products as inputs.\u00a0If this describes your farming operation, apply here.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

The initial application period goes until April 23, with grants beginning to be made by May 1.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Covid-19 Resource Page<\/strong><\/h3>\n

DACF has created a resource page to assist farmers during the Covid-19 crisis. Please visit the DACF COVID-19 resource page<\/a> for more information.\u00a0 This page will be regularly update with up to date information.<\/p>\n

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USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19<\/strong><\/h3>\n

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.\u00a0 For more information please visit opportunities for immediate relief.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Opportunity from Cornell<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cornell is offering some of their regular programs for free. This offer is only for a limited. The link to the small farm courses is here https:\/\/smallfarmcourses.com\/.<\/a><\/p>\n

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University of New Hampshire Covid-19 Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n
UNH has put together a list of Covid-19 resources. A lot of similar resources from our UMaine list, but there are some new ones too.<\/div>\n
https:\/\/extension.unh.edu\/tags\/covid-19<\/a><\/div>\n
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New Directory for Local Farm Product and Pick-Up Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many farms across Maine have added alternative ways customers can obtain farm products to accommodate for social distancing in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Maine farmers are updating this database in an effort to increase public access to their farm products during this time. You can view the website and map\u00a0at this farm product directory webpage<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please connect with farms directly using the contact information provided in the directory.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Add Your Farm to this New Online Marketing List<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many farms across Maine have added alternative ways customers can obtain farm products to accommodate for social distancing in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maine farmers are updating this new database in an effort to increase public access to their farm products during this time. You can view the website and map\u00a0at this farm product directory webpage<\/a>.
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To have your farm added or to update directory information:<\/span><\/p>\n