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Market and Production Development Division

Technical Production and Marketing Assistance. Division staff provide agricultural businesses with assistance in the following program areas: market development and promotion, business development and planning, labor, irrigation, potato storage and packing, farmland protection and foreign trade assistance.

Financial Assistance. A number of grant and loan programs are available to help producers adopt new technology, promote products or conduct market research. Each program has it's own eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.

Promotions and Events. Maine’s agricultural fairs showcase the diversity of Maine’s 6000 farms. The annual January Ag Trades Show is the annual event for producers in January. Many other special events occur throughout the year. Publications such as "get real. get maine!" brochures and wholesale buyers’ guides promote sales of Maine food and farm products. Order promotional items—stickers, hang tags, signage, hats, aprons. Visit www.getrealmaine.com for searchable listings of apples, berries, specialty foods and other farm products, or find Maine food and farm producers with maps.

Public Information. Research, statistical reports, and information is provided to the Commissioner, Legislature, media, commodity groups and individuals on issues impacting farm businesses and agriculture in Maine. The Department’s newsletter and calendar of events, Agriculture TODAY is produced in this Division.

Senior FarmShare program. Thanks to a grant from the USDA, the Senior FarmShare program provides low-income seniors the chance to receive fresh vegetables and fruits from Maine farmers during the growing season. Farmers sign up in March, seniors sign up in April and May.