Eight agriculture concerns will receive Maine Agricultural Development Grant programs funds, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The nearly $250,000 total in grants being awarded to farms and agricultural organizations incorporate one or more of the following priorities: livestock processing development; improved profitability and utilization of Maine-grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities.
The eight grant recipients were narrowed down from a field of 30 applicants and will be finalized pending approval by the Maine Purchases Division and the successful completion of a state of Maine contract.
The eight projects are:
• Coastal Enterprises Inc., Brunswick, ethnic produce
• Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, Orono, wild blueberry metro marketing program
• Lakeside Family Farm, Newport, farm-to-workplace
• Bartlettyarns Inc., Harmony, commercial wool baling
• Apple Ridge Farms Inc., Appleton, new vinegar acetator
• Aroostook Hops LLC, Westfield, hop pelletizing facility
• Appleton Creamery, Appleton, cheese trail
• LaJoie Growers LLC, Van Buren, cold storage.
Â
Read more
