Federal Support for Maine Farmers Last week, MFT was pleased to see that Congress passed and the President signed an aid package that includes $9.5 billion for agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19, including producers of specialty crops, producers that supply…
Update 3/27: UPDATE 3/27/20: MFT was very pleased to see that the Senate aid package includes $9.5 billion for agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19, including producers of specialty crops, producers that supply local food systems, and livestock producers. The House…
Maine farmers have long been stewards of the land – soil, water, and natural resources that we all depend upon. As our climate continues to change, our farmers are on the frontlines and need to be prepared to adapt to…
On February 19, over 70 farmers gathered in Presque Isle to learn from peers and experts how healthy soils practices can improve a farm operation. The day-long event included a plenary session with Brendon Rockey of Rockey Farms in Center,…
Last week, MFT and ME DACF co-hosted a webinar on Agricultural Land Reclamation in the 21st Century. The webinar offered guidance and best practices for farmers, landowners, and service providers. Topics included identifying and assessing land suitability for reclamation, environmental…
Farmland and Solar Development Recently-enacted legislation encourages a significant increase in solar development in Maine on an expedited timeline. As a result, solar developers are racing to secure potential sites for solar installations, including on agricultural land near transmission infrastructure.…
This year’s devastating agricultural losses across the country from extreme weather have brought home the urgent need to address the climate crisis and its impacts on agriculture. Farmers across Maine can do a lot to build resilience to extreme weather…
In order for farms to continue to provide the economic, environmental, pastoral, recreational, and educational benefits to the state, there must be the land base to support and grow Maine’s food and agricultural economy. The Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Program is an…
In order for farms to continue to provide the economic, environmental, pastoral, recreational, and educational benefits to the state, there must be the land base to support and grow Maine’s food and agricultural economy. The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF)…
The recently released National Climate Assessment makes clear that unless global emissions of greenhouse gases are reduced, the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves, heavy downpours, and coastal flooding in the Northeast U.S. will continue to increase. These changes…