The viability of farming as a business is paramount to the future of farming in Maine. Yet farms are experiencing significant challenges resulting from rising production costs, a lack of agricultural infrastructure and processing capacity, labor shortages, and unpredictable climate conditions. Local ordinances that regulate land use can go a long way to either help farming or hinder it, and property taxes affect the ability of farms to keep their land in agricultural production. The fifth webinar will explore strategies towns can take to support viable and resilient farms. Attendees will hear from three panelists with experience in farm-friendly ordinance strategies and municipal tax programs.

Presenter: Thacher Carter, Municipal Policy Associate, Maine Farmland Trust

Moderator: Shelley Megquier, Policy and Research Director, Maine Farmland Trust

Panelists:

Judy Mathiau, CMA – Town Assessor, Town of Winslow

Maureen O'Meara, AICP – Town Planner, Town of Cape Elizabeth                                                         

Mariam Taleb – Farm Viability and Farmland Protection Specialist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

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