Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is preparing to launch the Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance (NRDRA) Program for producers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. This effort is supported by the federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025 (Act).

Using the Act’s available state block grant funding, DACF elected to administer its own program distinct from the national Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP program), to minimize program restrictions and better serve Maine’s diverse farming community, including producers not typically covered by federal programs. Under this approach, Maine producers will not be eligible for the current USDA SDRP program that was rolled out separately in two stages (July and November 2025).

Key Highlights:

  • Maine will receive $60 million in funding to distribute to eligible Maine producers across four loss categories: crop, timber, aquaculture and infrastructure.
  • There is no requirement for crop insurance or NAP enrollment, whereas participants in the SDRP program must purchase coverage for 2 years to be eligible for relief funds.
  • Application launch is expected in mid-2026.
  • FSA requires that eligible losses could not have been covered by other existing USDA disaster programs.

Background on Disaster Funding

Specific agricultural disaster relief programs were established with $220 million allocated to the New England States, Alaska, and Hawaii. These block grants are intended to compensate producers for crop, timber, and livestock losses from weather events in 2023-2024. This program was intentionally created to help specialty crop farms that struggle with insurance coverage access, providing supplemental support for small and medium-sized farmers. Maine has successfully advocated for including compensation for infrastructure losses, recognizing that these were among the most devastating losses resulting from weather events in 2023 and 2024, even when crops were not necessarily lost or damaged. Maine has been actively engaged in this process, participating in meetings with FSA staff nearly weekly since early April 2025, as well as regularly coordinating with the other eligible New England states to ensure best practices and consistency where appropriate. DACF is working diligently to ensure this important funding gets out the door as quickly as possible.

News Update as of December 4, 2025

During the 43-day federal shutdown, USDA FSA paused work on this program. Reengagement began in mid-November and DACF is again working closely with USDA FSA to finalize critical NRDRA program details, including receiving FSA approval on specific terms, loss methodologies, and payment calculations. DACF’s ability to launch this program is dictated by the USDA FSA’s approval process of these program details.

In October, DACF issued an RFP for consultant services to assist in designing and administering the NRDRA Program to ensure clear eligibility parameters; effective outreach to eligible producers; an accessible application process; ample technical assistance for applicants; vetting of submitted materials for accuracy and completeness; and calculation of producer loss payments. These professional services are essential to allow the Department to disburse the funds to qualifying producers in a fair and efficient manner.

The consultant proposal deadline was November 17, 2025. DACF is currently reviewing the bids, and we anticipate having a consultant under contract in January 2026.

More information, including a program timeline, eligibility guidelines, and application instructions, will be shared on this page and via email. To receive the latest information directly by email, subscribe now to the ARD Agricultural Grants & Loans email notifications group. Contact DACF Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine with questions craig.lapine@maine.gov.