Like many nonprofit organizations, Maine Farmland Trust is operating in a significantly different funding environment than existed even a few years ago. The planned conclusion of a major philanthropic funding source, ongoing uncertainty in federal funding, and rising costs require us to take a careful look at how we fulfill our mission.
We recently completed an organizational review and made difficult decisions regarding organizational structure, including reducing staffing levels by 10 positions. These changes are incredibly difficult but necessary to position MFT for long-term financial sustainability and to allow us to continue to carry out our mission effectively.
By making changes now, we can concentrate resources on the work where MFT is most uniquely positioned to impact the future of Maine’s farmland and farms for decades to come. In addition to looking at our organizational structure, we are taking other measures to reduce operating costs, such as selling and downsizing our office spaces – a reflection of both our statewide staffing needs and the shift our staff has already made to hybrid and remote work.
The restructuring plan is focused on where MFT can have the greatest impact and where our unique strengths are most needed. Our priorities remain farmland protection, farmer support, and promoting policy that strengthens agriculture. Some previous programs will be scaled back, some approaches may evolve, and some work may increasingly happen through partnerships, but our commitment to Maine's farmers, farmland, and rural communities remains as strong as ever. As we move forward, we will be sharing more specific information with farmers, landowners, and partners about changes to our programs and the ways in which we will continue to work together.
Every position at MFT does important work. Each member of our staff is extremely dedicated to our mission and to meeting the needs of our farm network. We’re working to be as generous and supportive with all staff as possible, both those who are leaving us and the staff whose positions will remain. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of every staff member who has helped build MFT into the organization it is today.
We ask for your continued support to help do the work needed to protect Maine’s farmland, support farmers, and advance the future of farming. The needs facing Maine farmers and farmland have never been greater, and MFT intends to remain a strong, trusted, and effective partner in meeting those challenges. We have navigated periods of change before, and we are confident that these decisions position us to continue serving Maine’s farmers and protecting Maine farmland for decades to come.
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