Maine Farms for the Future (FFF)

This program provides grants of technical assistance to farmers developing business plans, and funds to help implement those plans. Eligibility is limited to farmers who own at least 5 acres of land in active agricultural production. Applications are considered once per year in late fall. Coastal Enterprises, Inc. administers the program for the Department. Contact Kerri Sands at 772-5356 x 114, or e-mail kcs@ceimaine.org.

Farms for the Future Program Description

A program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, FFF is currently administered by CEI. FFF is a two-phase business assistance program that helps Maine farmers plan for the future of their agricultural enterprise.

Farmers are eligible if they…

Own and operate five or more acres of productive farmland
Have an idea for change that will increase the long-term economic viability of their farm

Phase 1: Business Planning.

Farmers receive a package of services to develop a detailed business plan with a team of skilled professionals. Farmers determine the membership of their farm’s planning team. Applications are accepted once a year in late fall. Most of the research and writing of the business plan takes place during the fall and winter months

Phase 2: Implementation Grants

Farmers who have completed business plans in Phase 1 are eligible to apply for a competitive cash grant to implement the changes identified in their business plans. Grants cover 25% of the cost of the projects outlined in the plan, and are limited to $25,000. Applications are accepted twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Only those IN Phase 1 may apply for Phase 2 funding (i.e. farmers can’t “skip” directly to Phase 2). Those who are awarded Phase 2 grants must agree to protect their agricultural land from development for 5 years.

Why develop a business plan?

Many farmers recognize the need to improve their farm operations, transfer the farm to the next generation, or start a new enterprise in addition to, or as a replacement for, the current operation. A written plan will guide the farmer through these changes. A good business plan is farm-specific. It describes everything from the number of employees and types of equipment to the farm’s annual operating costs and profits. It also covers the marketing strategy and the farm family’s short and long term goals. It is a way to analyze when to make changes that may improve the farm’s bottom line and farmer’s job satisfaction. It is a tool that changes with the farm, not a one-time “report.” Many banks and commercial lenders require farm owners to submit a business plan as part of a loan application.

How do I know if I’m a good match for this program?

You need to own at least 5 acres of productive agricultural land that you are actively farming. (Those who are thinking about starting a farm, but aren’t yet farming, are not eligible.) You need to have an idea for how to make the farm more viable in the long term. (It can be a rough idea.) If you are accepted, you will be spending a lot of time working on your business plan. You will be meeting with your team, coming up with numbers, doing market research, talking with specialists, and writing the text of the plan. You may also be taking courses, attending trainings, or visiting producers in other areas. This is all on top of running your farm and family and perhaps even working off the farm. It’s doable, and highly rewarding, but it’s a commitment. Please consider how you will make room in your schedule to do this work.

How does it work and when can I get started?

The application deadline for the next round of assistance is October 25, 2007. In November, approximately 20 farms will be selected for this year’s program. Planning teams will be formed in November & December. Regular meetings and research will take place January through April. The first deadline to apply for Phase 2 funding will be in mid-to-late April 2008. Those who do not apply in April will continue working on their business plans through the busy summer season, and will have an opportunity to apply for the second Phase 2 deadline, in November 2008.

For more information about this program, visit the cei website, or email kcs@ceimaine.org

You may want to also download a copy of the latest Farms for the Future brochure. (This is a 2 mb file.)

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Market and Production Development dIVISION