The Maine Farms for the Future Program (FFF) is a competitive grant program that provides selected farms with business planning assistance and investment support.

Farms are selected by an independent Review Panel, appointed by the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and comprised of professionals from the agricultural sector, including bankers, farmers, policymakers, and a former Commissioner of Agriculture.

The Phase 1 grant allows selected farmers to research ideas for change on their farm and work with a certified business counselor to write an investment-grade business plan.

Grant funds are also used to hire private consultants, attend industry and trade conferences, conduct market research, obtain special skills or training, and travel to other farms to analyze the feasibility of their ideas. The opportunity to apply is advertised in July and August for the end of September deadline.

Only those farms that complete their business plan in Phase 1 are eligible to apply for Phase 2.

The Phase 2 cash grant and/or low-interest rate through the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, assists farmers with implementing the project(s) described in their Phase 1 Business Plan. In exchange, farmers sign an agreement to protect their farmland for 7 years.

Contact Maine Farms for the Future Program

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Maine Farms for the Future Program is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• State Funding / Technical Resources

Contact Maine Farms for the Future Program

Leigh Hallett
Farmland Protection Specialist
Maine Department of Agriculture Food, and Rural Resources
18 Elkins Lane
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine  04333
Phone: 207-287-7520
 Email Maine Farms for the Future Program
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Service Area

Statewide Program in:

• Maine

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