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New Program Makes SNAP/EBT Processing Equipment Available to Farmers and Farmers' Markets at No Cost
May 6, 2021 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT) equipment is available to agricultural producers and farmers' markets in Maine. Interested producers and farmers markets should visit the Farm Food Access Program (FFAP) website or call the Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets(MFFM) to learn about the options for cost-free equipment. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to continue regulating the movement of emerald ash borer
April 28, 2021 - On January 14, 2021 the federal quarantine regulations restricting the movement of the emerald ash borer (EAB) were removed by the USDA to refocus their resources on biological control of the pest. Despite the USDA's shift in emphasis, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) and Plant Health Program (PHP) will continue to regulate the movement of EAB because an estimated 90 percent of Maine's ash trees remain outside of the currently regulated quarantine areas. Continue Reading
Maine Invasive Plant Control Grant Program Applications Now Open
April 23, 2021 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) is providing up to $85,000 through 2023 for local governments, municipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private family woodland owners interested in obtaining Invasive Plant Control Practice Plans (IPCPP) for their woods. This new invasive plant management program is administered by the MFS and the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP). Continue Reading
DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal Presents Maine Forest Ranger With Nation's Highest Award for Wildfire Prevention
April 13, 2021 - At a Blaine House Ceremony, Maine Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal presented Maine Forest Service Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson with the Silver Smokey Bear Award, the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire prevention. Ranger Nelson is one of two people to earn this national recognition in 2021. Continue Reading
In Letter to Maine's Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills Urges Federal Government To Provide Funding to Address PFAS Contamination; Outlines Regulatory Actions to Assist Maine's Response
March 31, 2021 - In a letter to Maine's Congressional Delegation, Governor Janet Mills this week requested that the Federal government provide dedicated funding to address the growing issue of PFAS both in Maine and across the country. The Governor, who thanked the Congressional Delegation for their ongoing work on the issue, also outlined a slate of steps the Federal government could take to assist Maine in its efforts to address PFAS contamination. Continue Reading
Maine State Parks and Public Reserved Lands Expect to Attract Crowds for Spring
March 10, 2021 - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) expects the popularity of its outdoor destinations to continue this spring and urges guests to anticipate crowded parking areas and trailhead bottlenecks. Continue Reading
Maine Agricultural Development Grant Program Applications Now Open
March 8, 2021 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources seeks project applications for the 2021 Agricultural Development Grant (ADG) program. DACF expects to award up to $250,000 in 2021. Continue Reading
Maine Specialty Crop Grant Program Applications Now Open
March 8, 2021 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Agriculture seeks Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) program applications from Maine's specialty crop industry to present for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). DACF anticipates awarding at least $500,000 in 2021. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Extends CARES Act Reimbursement Program for Food Banks and Pantries
March 2, 2021 - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal today announced that the department is extending the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) Food Security Network Reimbursement Program. The program's second phase includes an expanded period for eligible expenses, allowing for reimbursement of costs incurred between March 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021. The CRF Food Security Network Reimbursement Program Phase 2 funding will become available upon opening the application process on March 2, 2021. Continue Reading
Coastal grants available for municipal and regional projects
March 1, 2021 - Municipal Planning Assistance Program seeks applications for a new round of Coastal Community Grants for FY 2022. The grants are for municipal and regional projects in Maine's Coastal Zone. The total amount of funds available for the Coastal Communities Grant Program in FY22 is expected to be approximately $175,000. Continue Reading
Maine Slows Spread of Emerald Ash Borer with Continued Ash Movement Restrictions
February 24, 2021 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Plant Health Program (PHP) and Maine Forest Service (MFS) announced today that Maine is taking the next step to continue regulating the movement of ash wood material. Moving ash infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) can spread this invasive insect to new areas. This decision follows USDA's January 14, 2021 announcement of removing federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations. Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 22-26
February 19, 2021 - "Together, we can do more" is the theme under which the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is rolling out its 2021 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) campaign. NISAW, February 22-26, is the annual program designed to raise consumer awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose, and what can be done to slow or prevent their spread. Continue Reading
Aroostook County Browntail Moth Winter Webs Deliver Well-Timed "Heads Up" to All of Maine
February 12, 2021 - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) recently reported a browntail moth (BTM) winter web in Smyrna. MFS recovered a new web from Fort Fairfield earlier this week. BTM winter webs are colonies of BTM caterpillars in white silk tightly woven around a leaf or leaves in trees or shrubs. The Aroostook County discoveries serve as a literal "heads up" for Mainers. Continue Reading
It is not too late to license your dog(s)
February 5, 2021 - Governor Janet Mills has signed, allowing dog owners extra time to license their animals. Owners now have until June 2, 2021, to renew overdue dog licenses. Licenses are available online and pet owners are strongly encouraged to renew license(s) before June 2 to avoid late fees. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Establishes Task Force to Develop Forest Carbon Program for Maine Woodland Owners
February 3, 2021 - As part of Maine's ambitious effort to fight climate change by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, Governor Janet Mills has signed an Executive Order to create the Maine Forest Carbon Task Force. Continue Reading