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Maine Senior FarmShare Program now accepting applications from farms for 2020
February 5, 2020
For more information contact: Jim Britt at: jim.britt@maine.gov
Program aims to connect food-insecure seniors
AUGUSTA- The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Division of Agricultural Resource Development (ARD) today announced that the application period for new farms is now open for the 2020 Maine Senior FarmShare Program. Applications, including the full details for new farms and eligibility criteria, are available on the ARD website.
New for 2020, the Maine Senior FarmShare Program is welcoming more farms from throughout the state. Also, the USDA provided additional funding for 2020 that will help increase the number of participating farms from across Maine.
The Maine Senior FarmShare Program is administered by ARD and funded by the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service Program. Following the Community Supported Agriculture model, a Senior FarmShare is an agreement between a participating farmer and a qualified senior for $50 of fresh produce.
Eligible farms must have one or more acres of mixed produce and the ability to offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, over 8 weeks. The application deadline is end of business, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, and farms are encouraged to apply early as openings are limited.
For program information or to apply, farmers should contact Donna Murray, Program Manager with Maine Senior FarmShare Program, 207-287-7526 and donna.murray@maine.gov. Farms are invited to apply now on the Maine Senior FarmShare website.
ABOUT DACF
DACF is the State of Maine's support center for land-based, natural resource interests. The Department stewards the state's various land-based natural-resource interests, including Maine agriculture, forests, outdoor recreation, and public access. DACF helps guide Maine's 21st-century natural resource economy by supporting the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries, and streamlining regulations. DACF professionals have a wide range of duties ranging from protecting the food we eat, stopping forest fires, and mapping the ocean floor to keeping our parks and public lands pristine and accessible, planning wise land utilization, and providing technical assistance to beginning farmers. To explore DACF's hundreds of activities and programs, and to learn more about the department's responsibilities, go online to https://www.maine.gov/dacf