The first three years of a child’s life are critical for growth and development. Early identification of developmental delays and subsequent referrals to early intervention services are essential to reduce long-term impacts. In 2024, Extension’s Maine Families home visiting programs served 233 families with 215 children through 2,146 home visits. Parent educators work from two […]
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The Maine Farm Wellness and Maine Agricultural Mediation Program address mental health and conflict resolution in Maine’s agricultural sector. These initiatives offer resources, education, and support to farmers, fostering a culture of mental health awareness and community resilience. In addition to training 23 new mediators, the mediation program served 55 clients through mediation, personal financial […]
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Extension’s ServSafe course provides state-required training to reduce foodborne illnesses and support the success of Maine’s food service industry. Food establishments are crucial to Maine’s economy, generating $3.6 billion in sales and supporting 62,800 jobs in 2022. Extension certified instructors and proctors conducted eleven in-person ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager Course and Exams statewide. The […]
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Rising food costs have motivated more Mainers to start gardening and consider food preservation, but they need current information on methods like as pressure canning for low-acid foods and water-bath canning for high-acid foods, to prevent risks like botulism. In 2024, 57 Master Food Preserver volunteers completed over 489 hours of food preservation education, community […]
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From birthing stalls to shearing stands, Maine producers are sharpening their small-ruminant skills with UMaine Extension. A 2024 needs assessment showed farmers highly value education on animal health and best practices, and most producer inquiries center on sheep and goats. In 2024, Extension delivered six events across four counties—the Maine Sheep and Goat School, Shearing […]
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Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) and Home Horticulture program make research-based gardening guidance accessible across Maine. MGVs complete 64 hours of training and serve on community projects that promote sustainable practices, food security, and environmental stewardship. In 2024, 655 volunteers contributed 26,801 hours of service—an estimated $818,776 in value—while Extension staff and volunteers answered 1,929 […]
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Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training is closing a critical workforce gap by pairing industry-aligned coursework with a micro-credential and mentored experience. Built from the Master Gardener Volunteer program and employer input, the curriculum delivers 18 weeks of virtual, self-paced training plus a 200-hour apprenticeship validating skills and career readiness across Maine’s green industry. Demand is strong: […]
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Maine ranks third nationally for beginning producer–operated farms (35.9%), yet new farmers face steep hurdles—accessing capital, navigating regulations, and proving financial viability. The Business Planning for Producers course equips aspiring and early-stage farmers with the skills to launch and grow sustainable enterprises through comprehensive business planning. Since 2023, the program has run as ten two-hour […]
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Extension’s tractor safety courses provide critical skills and certification, enhancing job opportunities for youth and contributing to the economic health of Maine’s agricultural sector by promoting safer farming practices. Injuries and fatalities in agriculture lead to significant economic losses and can cause farms to go out of business. Labor shortages, including qualified equipment operators, exacerbate […]
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In 2022, Maine had at least 457 farms producing potatoes on over 54,000 acres, with the value of sales of Maine-grown potatoes reaching over $200 million, according to the Census of Agriculture. Among these farms, 317 (69%) were small acreages of less than 5 acres, primarily producing for direct-to-consumer channels such as on-farm markets, farm […]
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