Maine Farms for the Future Program
Forecasted
Maine Farms for the Future Program supports Maine farm businesses with planning, research, and equipment and infrastructure investments to improve long-term profitability and sustain agricultural land.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application submission)
Funding Amounts: Phase 1: $6,000 | Phase 2: cash grants up to $25,000 and recommendations for loans up to $250,000 at 2% interest
Summary: Supports Maine farm businesses with business planning and investment in equipment and infrastructure to improve long-term profitability and net worth.
Key Information: Phase 2 requires a completed Phase 1 business plan; cash grants require protecting at least 5 acres for 7 years.
Description
The Maine Farms for the Future Program is a competitive, two-phase program run by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF). It supports strategic planning and investment that help farm businesses change, adapt, and grow while sustaining Maine’s agricultural landscape. The program defines farm vitality as long-term, maintainable farm profitability and net worth.
Phase 1, the Business Plan Development Program, helps farms research an “Idea for Change” and develop a detailed business plan with business advisors and approved agricultural or professional service providers. Phase 2, the Investment Support Program to Implement a Business Plan, supports infrastructure and equipment investments related to the idea investigated in Phase 1. It offers recommendations for low-interest loans and, for farms committing to farmland protection, cash grants.
