Maine Farm Emergency Grants
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) are offering emergency grants to assist farmers impacted by the current COVID-19 crisis, including those who have experienced sales losses, increased expenses and/or other challenges during 2020, and who anticipate needing to make further changes and adjustments for 2021.
After offering an initial round of grants in spring 2020, we are opening up applications for a second round of emergency grants in December 2020. This will be a selective process, as funds are limited, and grants of up to $2,000 per farm will be awarded. Farmers who received a grant in the spring are eligible to apply again, though preference will be given to new applicants. The eligibility requirements have changed to include those who have not participated in MOFGA or MFT programs, but meet all other eligibility requirements and are a beginning farmer or farmer who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.
Applications are due Monday, December 14th at 11:59pm with decisions and notifications of awards expected by the week of December 21st.
See the application form for more information & to submit your application: https://forms.gle/J7kFc8wDyBV6u1Ks7
Eligibility Requirements:
– Farm is located in Maine.
– Farm income represents at least 10% of household income.
-Farm intends to remain in business.
-Farms have expenses related to COVID-19 mitigation or adaptations that have occurred or will occur.
– Farms must have been or are actively participating in MOFGA or MFT programs (see application for a list of programs), OR applicant is beginning farmer (defined by USDA as someone who has been operating their farm or ranch for 10 or fewer years) OR applicant identifies as a Black, Indigenous or Person of Color farmer.
Timeline: Applications are due Monday, December 14th at 11:59pm with decisions and notifications of awards expected by the week of December 21st.