Federal grants to help farm projects
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is accepting proposals for over $600,000 in federal grants aimed at supporting local agriculture and creating jobs.
The state is receiving the grant money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with programs and research for those who grow specialty crops, including locally grown fruit and vegetables. Proposals are being accepted until May 20.
Gov. Paul LePage said the funds will support science-based research by the department, University of Maine and private industry to create and sustain natural resource jobs. "Maine has used these funds to conduct initiatives that assist producers of fresh fruits and vegetables and strengthen markets for specialty crops such as potatoes, wild blueberries, cranberries, other fruits and horticultural crops," he said in a written statement.
Qualified applicants must submit a proposal to the State of Maine Division of Purchases in Augusta. The Request for Proposal form can be obtained by emailing John Harker, DACF’s director of market development, at john.harker@maine.gov, or by sending a letter to 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. The funding requests, if approved, will be bundled as part of the state’s funding plan for USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
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