The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people.  While USDA has moved to an enhanced telework posture during the Coronavirus National Emergency, services to the American people continue.  For additional information, please visit the press release here.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Maine small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the […]

As Covid-19 makes its way through our community, we acknowledge that farmers are faced with unique challenges in an unpredictable market. The following survey was made in collaboration with agricultural organizations agencies across the state to better assess the impact this virus is having on Maine farms. This will provide a sense of how we can […]

The University of Vermont Extension has put together some helpful information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how vegetable and fruit farmers can address the issue on their farms and within their markets. See the link below: https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/2020/03/13/considerations-for-fruit-and-vegetable-growers-related-to-coronavirus-covid-19/

The University of Vermont Extension is offering a FREE Webinar Series! This webinar series will discuss current research on cover crops and conservation in various cropping systems, interesting findings, and common obstacles to implementing a successful cover crop and no-till program. Each webinar will be 30 minutes and will end with a 15 minute Q&A session. Dates & Topics […]

Farmers and ranchers may apply to enroll grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup beginning March 16. The signup runs through May 15. Through CRP Grasslands, participants retain the right to conduct common grazing practices, such as haying, mowing or harvesting seed from the enrolled land. Timing of some activities may be restricted […]

The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is launching a new grant program to help young and beginning farmers and ranchers start-up and grow their businesses. In 2020 Young Farmers will provide 50 farmers and ranchers $5,000 grants. Grant recipients will also receive a one-year membership to the National Young Farmers Coalition. Funds, once awarded, […]

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 here Register early, space is limited to 200.

Interest in hemp production has increased significantly with the passage of the 2018 farm bill. Hemp can be grown to produce grain, fiber, and medicinal products. “Growing Hemp in Maine” will be offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm at Jeff’s Catering, Littlefield […]

The New England Farmer Microgrant Program (NEFMP) from American Farmland Trust is designed to provide between $500-$5,000 to assist farmers in New England with financial barriers to land access, expanding onto new land, and farm succession planning.  The goal of NEFMP is to fund farmers in two primary categories: professional services and infrastructure costs related to assuring […]