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Governor Mills and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce $4.3 Million for Maine Farmers & Small Businesses to Lower Energy Costs
July 26, 2024 - Governor Mills and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce $4.3 Million for Maine Farmers & Small Businesses to Lower Energy Costs Continue Reading
New CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering or Returning to the US
July 15, 2024 - Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must comply with new specific United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements. These requirements depend on where the dogs have been in the past six months and where they received their rabies vaccinations (if required). Continue Reading
Save the Date for Maine Open Farm Day, Sunday, July 28 - Top Twelve Tips
July 15, 2024 - Augusta-Experience farm life and learn about the origins of your food on Maine Open Farm Day, held this year on Sunday, July 28. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for families, educators, and anyone curious about agriculture to connect with farmers and explore Maine's vitally important agricultural community. Continue Reading
Summer Outdoor Activities and Invasive Species: Protect Maine's Forests
July 3, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - Mainers and visitors are eager to enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities as summer unfolds. However, these treasured pastimes have a hidden threat: the spread of tree-killing invasive plants, insects, and diseases that cause significant environmental damage. Continue Reading
Insider Secrets: 15 Pro Tips for Your Best Maine Outdoor Adventure Experiences
July 2, 2024 - Visiting any of Maine's State Parks, Historic Sites, and Public Reserved Lands is a wonderful opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy outdoor activities. Packing wisely is essential to making the most of your adventure. Continue Reading
Maine DACF and University of Maine Cooperative Extension Launch the PFAS Navigator Program
July 1, 2024 - AUGUSTA, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and University of Maine Cooperative Extension announced the launch of the "PFAS Navigators" program, designed to offer dedicated one-on-one assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. Starting July 1, 2024, this confidential, no-cost program aims to provide comprehensive support, ensuring farmers receive the necessary resources and guidance to manage the impacts of PFAS on their farms and families. Continue Reading
$451,553 in Coastal Planning Grants Announced
June 28, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Maine Coastal Program (MCP), is proud to announce the award of $451,553 in coastal planning grants. These grants will support vital projects focused on climate vulnerability assessments, designing resilient infrastructure for working waterfronts, and updating municipal land use regulations to address current and future coastal hazards and guide development away from vulnerable areas. Projects will begin in late summer 2024. These planning grants are funded through the MCP Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant, supported by an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) award. Continue Reading
Visit the 17th Century at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site
June 28, 2024 - New Harbor, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands welcomes everyone to experience 17th century Maine during the "17th Century Days" at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site. This family-friendly event, organized by Neill DePaoli, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site Manager, will take place on July 13-14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, located 13 miles south of Damariscotta off Route 130 at 2 Colonial Pemaquid Dr., New Harbor, ME 04554. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Reminds Owners to Help Keep Animals Cool and Safe as Temperatures Rise
June 17, 2024 - AUGUSTA, ME-As temperatures rise across the state, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reminds animal owners of the best ways to keep their pets and livestock cool and safe. Continue Reading
Maine Hosts 2024 NEASDA Annual Regional Meeting in Freeport
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, ME-The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is hosting the 2024 regional meeting of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) from June 2 to 5 in Freeport. DACF Commissioner and current NEASDA President Amanda Beal expressed enthusiasm about returning this influential agricultural conference to Maine, which last hosted it in 2016. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims June as Maine Dairy Month
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, MAINE - Governor Janet Mills today proclaimed June as "Maine Dairy Month" during a Blaine House ceremony celebrating the vital contributions of Maine's dairy farmers and producers. Continue Reading
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service Secures Community Wildfire Defense Grants for Northern and Downeast Maine
May 24, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) has been awarded two Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG) to support at-risk communities in Northern and Downeast Maine. These grants, totaling $258,000 ($141,000 and $117,000, respectively), will safeguard homes, businesses, forestland, and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfires. Both regions face significant wildfire risks and are considered underserved. Continue Reading
Memorial Day Weekend Reminder: Choose Real Maine Food and Farm Products, Share the Rural Roads, and Don't Do This at a Farm
May 21, 2024 - Augusta - With spring upon us and summer quickly approaching, Mainers are encouraged to support local farms, practice safe travel around slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads, and mark the calendar for the upcoming Maine Open Farm Day (OFD) on July 28. Continue Reading
Over 2,700 Acres of Critical Wildlife Habitat Protected in Maine's High Peaks Region
May 15, 2024 - FRANKLIN COUNTY, MAINE - The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Maine, and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced today that 2,706 acres have been added to the Mount Abraham Public Reserve Land managed by the State of Maine. Created through the acquisition of multiple properties, the "Keystones project" holds the larger landscape together, playing a critical role in preventing development and fragmentation while ensuring public access. Continue Reading
Affordable 9 CFR 417.7 Compliant HACCP Training Available
May 8, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce the upcoming Quality Assurance and Regulations HACCP Training Course, designed to equip meat and poultry processing professionals with essential skills and knowledge for regulatory compliance. Continue Reading