The growth of Maine’s local food economy depends on vibrant farms.
MFT’s Farm Network Program delivers continued farm-facing services to the network of over 450 farms that have participated MFT’s farmland protection and other programming. The program combines the existing Stewardship, Farm Business Planning, and Soil Health programs under one umbrella, and makes space for future programming based on the needs of farms in MFT’s network. This holistic approach increases the connectivity between farmers in MFT’s network and MFT programs, and allows the organization to more quickly respond to emergent issues that impact farmers, like PFAS contamination.
Individualized Farm Business Planning
Working one-on-one, or with a team of specialists, we can help you improve your financial and market resilience, consider new products or markets, explore collaborations with other farmers, and respond to farm business challenges. Learn More.
Farm Business Planning Programs
Farm Fresh Rewards
Maine Farmland Trust is thrilled to share that over the next few months, Good Shepherd Food Bank will transition into leading the Farm Fresh Rewards program moving forward. As MFT looks to focus on our farmer-facing work in the next few years, we are very excited to see how Good Shepherd will expand and build upon the Farm Fresh Rewards program! For more information, please visit farmfreshrewards.org or contact Good Shepherd at farmfreshrewards@gsfb.org. Learn More.
Farmland and Solar Development
On site energy production can support farm viability and reduce energy costs, but we also want to ensure that solar development in the state does not result in the loss of important soils or impede farmers’ ability to access the land they need now and in the future. Learn more.
Blue Hill Community Food Grants
Are you in a position to develop or expand a compelling food-related project on the Blue Hill Peninsula? Each year, MFT awards grant funds for projects that promise to increase food sustainability and improve the health and well-being of Blue Hill Peninsula residents. Learn More.
PFAS in Maine Agriculture
Persistent chemicals called PFAS can make their way from biosolids into farm products like milk. In partnership with MOFGA and MAine’s DACF, MFT is offering emergency grants to help dairy farmers affected by PFAS qualify for federal funding. Learn More.
Contact us
Contact us if you are…
A farmer interested in business planning assistance or help “scaling up” to reach wholesale markets.
A food retailer that wants to do more to help SNAP recipients access local food.
Let's grow a bright future for farming in Maine, together.
Our work with our Farm Network must keep pace with the renewed interest in local farming, and the growing involvement of young farmers, if we are to retain and build new markets and get more Maine food onto more Maine plates. If you are not already an MFT member, please join today. If you are already a member, please consider a gift to support this critical and highly innovative Farm Network.