Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (ME DACF)

1. Before you complete any forms, take time to update your business plan, budget & financial projections to include the proposed project. Contact DACF staff with any eligibility questions in advance of submitting your proposal.
2. Complete the fillable Project Eligibility Form (PDF) digitally, and email it to DACF.
3. DACF will review your Project Eligibility Form and may contact you to conduct a telephone interview and make a site visit.
4. The Commissioner will then either issue a Letter of Eligibility for your project or recommend that you revise and resubmit your Project Eligibility Form for reconsideration.
5. If the Commissioner issues a Letter of Eligibility for your project, then you, as an eligible Borrower, may submit your completed AMLF Loan Application and FAME Personal Financial Statement to FAME. You must do this within 90 days. Please see FAME's Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund webpage for more details and forms.


FAME

The Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) provides financing to help Maine agricultural businesses undertake projects to enhance the viability and vitality of the farm, and improve the manufacturing, marketability and production of their products.



An eligible Borrower must: be an agricultural or aquaculture enterprise; be located in the State of Maine and currently engaged in growing or harvesting plants, raising animals, growing/obtaining/adding value to plant or animal by-products, aquaculture, or producing/processing/storing/packaging/marketing a commercially sold product derived from such a business; and propose a project that is an eligible use of the fund.

Eligible Uses: The Fund may be used for a wide variety of capital expenditures to improve farm business operations and profitability, including to purchase equipment; design, purchase, renovate, or improve farm buildings or structures; develop a new water source or purchase irrigation equipment; diversify existing farming enterprises by adding or testing new products; expand an existing agricultural enterprise to comply with land use regulations; improve pastureland to promote rotational grazing; or implement climate change mitigation strategies. Construction projects are eligible as 'take-out financing': borrowers secure a construction loan from another lender until the project is complete, at which point the loan can be transferred to AMLF.

Ineligible Uses: working capital (including payroll, marketing expenses, seeds, supplies, or inventory); or refinancing projects commenced, costs incurred, or expenses paid prior to loan application (a written waiver request may be submitted for Commissioner approval).

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Application—Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund
- Personal Financial Statement
- AMLF Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Eligibility Form (PDF)


Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Trade Relief

Certified Organic

Water Management

Infrastructure

Marketing

Regenerative

Conservation

AMLF provides eligible Borrowers direct loans of up to $250,000. The interest rate for these loans is either the federal prime rate or 5%, whichever is lower at the commencement of the loan. Any eligible Borrower who previously received a Maine Farms for the Future Phase I grant may request the recommendation of the Maine Farms for the Future program for a 2% fixed interest rate. Loan terms run up to 30 years, determined by the useful life of the asset(s) being financed.

The fund is not yet accepting applications. To be notified when it launches, sign up for the DACF 'Agricultural Grants and Loans' news list: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/subscriber/new?topicid=MEDACF36

A first round, Round One Targeted Grants, is being finalized. The draft Request for Applications in the Advisory Board's August 26, 2026 packet says applicants will submit an online application form on the program website and email supporting documents to the RFA coordinator, with the deadline in November 2026 and conditional awards expected in December 2026. Those dates are provisional until DACF releases the final RFA.

Maine DACF — Agricultural Resource Development Division

In acknowledgment of the growth potential and significant investment opportunity for Maine agriculture and forestry, Governor Janet T. Mills and the 130th Maine Legislature came together to support the creation of the Maine Agriculture, Food System and Forest Products Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Fund's goals are to:


- Strengthen Maine's agricultural, food, and forest products economy, prioritizing increased investments in historically marginalized, underrepresented, and underserved&#x2004;communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, and rural communities.

- Address barriers to capital access for businesses in these communities, helping them start, sustain, scale, and innovate.

- Expand investments in infrastructure to increase access to new markets and opportunities in production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, marketing, sale, and consumption of products.

- Establish technical assistance programs in support of these goals in collaboration with other state agencies, economic development organizations, and key institutional partners.


Authorizing statutes: 7 M.R.S. section 320-A, 320-B, and 320-C. An Advisory Board (meeting roughly the last Wednesday of the month) is guiding the fund's development.



In acknowledgment of the growth potential and significant investment opportunity for Maine agriculture and forestry, Governor Janet T. Mills and the 130th Maine Legislature came together to support the creation of the Maine Agriculture, Food System and Forest Products Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Fund's goals are to:

- Strengthen Maine's agricultural, food, and forest products economy, prioritizing increased investments in historically marginalized, underrepresented, and underserved communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, and rural communities.
- Address barriers to capital access for businesses in these communities, helping them start, sustain, scale, and innovate.
- Expand investments in infrastructure to increase access to new markets and opportunities in production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, marketing, sale, and consumption of products.
- Establish technical assistance programs in support of these goals in collaboration with other state agencies, economic development organizations, and key institutional partners.

Authorizing statutes: 7 M.R.S. section 320-A, 320-B, and 320-C. An Advisory Board (meeting roughly the last Wednesday of the month) is guiding the fund's development.

- Applicant must be an entity headquartered in Maine, unless the statute or a specific solicitation allows otherwise.
- Headquartered in Maine means the entity's primary office is in Maine and the address associated with its EIN or UEI is in Maine.
- For-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations and cooperatives may apply.
- Applicant must perform a primary business role in Maine's agricultural, food system or forest products economy.
- Eligible entity types include commercial farms, commercial harvesters, food processors and manufacturers, forest products producers and businesses, producers, and supply chain enterprises such as aggregators, processors and distributors.
- Applicant's activities must be commercially viable market-chain activities in agricultural production, food systems, forest products, infrastructure, supply chain distribution, or value-added processing or manufacturing.
- Each funding round's solicitation sets its own specific eligibility requirements, which may add to these fund-wide rules.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Local Food

Farmers Market

No award amounts are final, because DACF has not yet released a funding round. A first round is being prepared. The AFFPIF Advisory Board's August 26, 2026 meeting packet contains a draft Request for Applications for Round One Targeted Grants (RFA ARD.2026.AFFPIF1), with a board vote on the agenda so DACF could move toward release. The draft anticipates awarding up to $500,000 in total, in grants of $10,000 to $50,000 per recipient, to established, market-facing Maine businesses that have operated for at least 18 months. The draft is marked "NOT FINAL," its dates are left blank, and DACF says it will finalize the RFA and complete internal review before releasing it, so treat these figures as provisional.

Over the longer term, the Fund's Governance and Procedural Plan (June 17, 2026) allows grants with or without matching funds, capital-access, gap-financing and early-stage grants, and loans or other financing tools offered through financing partners. DACF will not lend directly. Each solicitation sets its own award limits, match rules, and conditions. Authorizing statutes are 7 M.R.S. §§320-A, 320-B and 320-C.

Do not budget against this yet. Subscribe to the DACF Ag Grants & Loans notification list to hear when Round One opens.

1. Before you complete any forms, take time to update your business plan, budget & financial projections to include the proposed project.
2. Submit completed Project Eligibility Form (PDF) to DACF.
3. The DACF will review your Project Eligibility Form and may contact you to conduct a telephone interview and make a site visit.
4. The Commissioner will then either issue a Letter of Eligibility for your project or recommend that you revise and resubmit your Project Eligibility Form for reconsideration.
5. If the Commissioner issues a Letter of Eligibility for your project, then you, as an Eligible Borrower, may submit your completed DIF Loan Application and FAME Personal Financial Statement to FAME. You must do this within 90 days. Please see FAME Dairy Improvement Fund webpage for more details and forms.


The Dairy Improvement Loan Fund (DIF) provides financing to help Maine agricultural businesses undertake projects to enhance the viability and vitality of the farm, and improve the manufacturing, marketability and production of their products.



Eligible Borrower
An eligible Borrower must:
- Be a dairy enterprise, dairy, dairy farm, or business making milk products;
- Keep cows, sheep and/or goats that contribute milk to your products;
- Be located in the State of Maine and currently producing milk products that are sold commercially; and
- Propose a project that is an eligible use of the fund.
Eligible Uses of the Fund
The Fund may be used to:
- Design, construct, or improve milking parlors, dairy barns and structures, and dairy feed storage structures; or
- Purchase, construct, or renovate buildings, land and equipment to maintain and enhance the viability and vitality of an established dairy enterprise, dairy, dairy farm, or business making milk products, located in the State of Maine.
Ineligible Uses of the Fund
The Fund may not be used for:
- Working capital; or
- Refinancing projects commenced, costs incurred, or expenses paid prior to loan application. However, the Borrower may submit a written request for a waiver. Such waiver must be approved in writing by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).


Dairy

Cow Milk

Butter

Cheese

Yogurt

Goat Milk

Milk

- Rules for Dairy Improvement Fund (DOCX)
- Dairy Inspection Program

Equipment

Deferred principal and interest payments may be available up to 24 months from closing; interest accrues beginning at closing.

Up to 30 years and determined by the useful life of the asset(s) being financed.

Fees
- Loan origination fee: 1% (for loans over $100,000).
- Borrower is responsible for all loan closing costs.

The next request for applications (RFA) to the Farms for the Future is anticipated to be released in Fall of 2026. The program is not accepting applications until it is posted.

Questions go to the program contact, Farm Viability and Farmland Protection Specialist Mariam Taleb.

Mariam Taleb

Farm Viability and Farmland Protection Specialist

The **Maine Farms for&#x2004;the Future Program** is a competitive grant program that provides selected farms with business planning assistance and investment support.


The goal is to provide grants to for farm business owners to conduct research and strategic business planning on their “_Ideas for Change_” that might increase Farm Vitality, which is defined as, “_an increase in long-term, maintainable, farm profitability and net worth_."


The Program offers a spring and fall application period for eligible farm business owners who choose to apply.



The Maine Farms for the Future Program is a competitive grant program that provides selected farms with business planning assistance and investment support.

The goal is to provide grants to for farm business owners to conduct research and strategic business planning on their “Ideas for Change” that might increase Farm Vitality, which is defined as, “an increase in long-term, maintainable, farm profitability and net worth."

The Program offers a spring and fall application period for eligible farm business owners who choose to apply.

The Phase 1 grant allows selected farmers to research ideas for change on their farm and work with a certified business advisor, as well as other agricultural and professional service providers to develop an investment-grade business plan. To be eligible to apply for the Phase 1 grant of $6,000 to research and develop a business plan, an Applicant must:
1. Be a private, for-profit company that is owned by individuals, partners or corporations, that grows or produces agricultural products for commercial sale 
2. Own and operate a Farm Business that has been producing agricultural products commercially in the State of Maine for at least two (2) years (24 months) at the time of application;
3. Have ownership of the land that is being farmed, or be a partner or shareholder in a legal entity that owns the farmland; or if the farmland has been purchased recently, provide evidence of at least two years (24 months) of experience operating a commercial farm operation elsewhere in Maine;
4. Have State of Maine certification or licensure as required for their type of agricultural operation, i.e. Nutrient Management Plan, Commercial Kitchen License, Milk License, etc.

- 2021 Request For Applications
- Outline of Contents for Phase 2 Business Plan (DOCX)
- Farms selected for Maine Farms for the Future – Phase 1 from 01/01/00 to 12/31/2019 (PDF)
- 2021 Business Planning Outline (DOCX)
- FFF In-Kind Materials Match Log (XLS)
- FFF In-Kind Labor Match Log (XLS)
- FFF Purchased Materials Match Log (XLS)
- FFF Contracted Labor Match Log (XLS)


Trials

Succession

Fertilizer

Waste & Manure Management

Weeds

Labor

Legal & Finance

The Phase 2 cash grant and/or low-interest rate on a loan through the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF), assists those farmers awarded a Phase 1 Business Planning grant in the last 4 years, who have a current business plan with implementing the project(s) described in their Business Plan. In exchange for a Phase 2 grant, each farm must sign a Farmland Protection Agreement that will be valid for 7 years. If a farm is permanently protected with a conservation easement, the farm may only compete for the low-interest rate on the AMLF loan. 
To be eligible for a Phase 2 cash grant and/or the low interest rate through the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, an Applicant must:
1. Be a “Selected Farm” which is a farm that was awarded a Phase 1 Business Planning grant in the last 4 years but has not been awarded a Phase 2 Implementation grant in that timeframe; and
2. Satisfy all other eligibility criteria and match requirements listed in the Phase 2 Application Form.
Questions about Phase 2 Eligibility and Application Process can be submitted to alexander.redfield@maine.gov and answers will be published in December.

Apply through the Farm Testing Reimbursement Application (separate from the PFAS Master Application). Contact pfas.dacf@maine.gov.

Maine DACF — PFAS Response Program / PFAS Fund

As part of Maine's response to PFAS contamination, DACF reimburses farms for third-party PFAS sampling and laboratory fees — covering soil, farm water, milk, and feed tested at DEP-approved laboratories.



- Farms located in Maine.
- Applicant must be a commercial farm.
- The farm must have a verified PFAS exposure history: DEP records of sludge, septage or Class A material spreading on the farm, use of off-farm manure, feed or other inputs from a farm with such a record, or location near a DEP-identified spreading site.
- The farm must have arranged the testing itself, before DACF became involved and sampled at the farm.
- Test results must come from a Maine DEP-approved laboratory certified to perform PFAS analysis.
- Complete test results must be shared with DACF.
- If the farm collected its own water samples rather than using a third-party sampler, it must have followed DEP's water sampling guidance.

Reduced Tillage

Public Health

Compliance

Carbon Capture

Reimbursement of eligible third-party sampling and laboratory fees for soil, farm water, milk, and feed from DEP-approved labs. Subject to change and to funding availability.

No application form is required at this point — contact DACF (pfas.dacf@maine.gov) to participate.

DACF covers the cost of water filtration systems necessary to reduce a Maine farm's PFAS-impacted water, including the system itself plus yearly maintenance, testing, and replacement parts.



- Farms located in Maine.
- Applicant must be a commercial farm with DACF-confirmed unsafe levels of PFAS contamination.
- Water from wells serving the farm or its fields must test at or above Maine's interim drinking water standard of 20 ppt PFAS.
- The water contamination must be affecting the safety of the farm's products, shown by one or more farm product samples with PFAS above current action levels or at levels the Maine CDC deems of concern.
- DACF staff must already be working with the farm to mitigate its PFAS impacts.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Covers water filtration system costs plus yearly maintenance, testing, and replacement parts. Subject to change and to funding availability.

Complete the Master Application (PDF: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/docs/00Fullmaster-application_20240925.pdf). All applicants complete Section 1 (General Applicant Information) and a vendor form, then any applicable assistance sections. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. Questions: PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov or pfas.dacf@maine.gov.

Shiela Leonard

DACF supports Maine farmers facing PFAS contamination to make adjustments that allow them to remain in business and produce safe food, through the PFAS Response Program and the Fund to Address PFAS&#x2004;Contamination (PFAS Fund, established with $60 million). This record covers the **Farm Financial Assistance** applied for through a single Master Application, which comprises:


- **Administrative Cost Grant** (Section 2): a one-time grant partially compensating farms for time spent on activities upon initial discovery of PFAS contamination.

- **Income Replacement** (Section 3): up to a total of 24 months of lost income, adjusted for inflation, for farms that stopped selling products due to PFAS.

- **Technical Assistance / Professional Services** (Section 4): support for professional services guiding recovery (business planning, marketing, etc.).

- **Clean Feed Assistance** (Section 5): support for clean feed for livestock health and depuration goals.

- **Equipment and Input Costs** (Section 6): support to convert operations to new products and production methods.

- **Infrastructure** (Section 7): support for permanent physical assets and structures aiding transition.

- **Debt Service on Existing Loans** (Section 8): payment of loans tied to pre-discovery farm infrastructure.

- **New Loan Assistance** (Section 9): support for costs of obtaining a new loan.


Three additional PFAS programs — the **Farm Testing Reimbursement Payment Program**, the **Farm Water Treatment Program**, and **Livestock Depopulation Funding** — have their own applications and appear as separate funding-library records. The no-cost **PFAS Navigator Program** provides one-on-one support to impacted farmers.



DACF supports Maine farmers facing PFAS contamination to make adjustments that allow them to remain in business and produce safe food, through the PFAS Response Program and the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund, established with $60 million). This record covers the Farm Financial Assistance applied for through a single Master Application, which comprises:

- Administrative Cost Grant (Section 2): a one-time grant partially compensating farms for time spent on activities upon initial discovery of PFAS contamination.
- Income Replacement (Section 3): up to a total of 24 months of lost income, adjusted for inflation, for farms that stopped selling products due to PFAS.
- Technical Assistance / Professional Services (Section 4): support for professional services guiding recovery (business planning, marketing, etc.).
- Clean Feed Assistance (Section 5): support for clean feed for livestock health and depuration goals.
- Equipment and Input Costs (Section 6): support to convert operations to new products and production methods.
- Infrastructure (Section 7): support for permanent physical assets and structures aiding transition.
- Debt Service on Existing Loans (Section 8): payment of loans tied to pre-discovery farm infrastructure.
- New Loan Assistance (Section 9): support for costs of obtaining a new loan.

Three additional PFAS programs — the Farm Testing Reimbursement Payment Program, the Farm Water Treatment Program, and Livestock Depopulation Funding — have their own applications and appear as separate funding-library records. The no-cost PFAS Navigator Program provides one-on-one support to impacted farmers.

In general, commercial farms are eligible if: (1) the farm has DACF-confirmed unsafe levels of PFAS contamination - one or more farm-product samples exceeding current Action Levels or deemed of concern by the Maine CDC, and/or groundwater exceeding Maine's enforceable interim drinking water standard, and/or soil exceeding a current Maine CDC crop-specific screening level; and (2) the farm has partnered with DACF to investigate the scope of contamination and granted ongoing access. A commercial farm is a farm that produces any farm product with the intent that it be sold or otherwise disposed of to generate income. Some sections have additional or different eligibility requirements noted within the Master Application.

Feed

Pest Management

Seed

Inputs

DACF PFAS financial assistance programs are subject to change and to funding availability. Payments to producers may be considered reportable income by the IRS and/or Maine Revenue Services, and producers are responsible for payment of all taxes. Income Replacement is limited to up to 24 months of lost income (inflation-adjusted) and to 2 years from the date of discovery of elevated PFAS levels.

Apply through the Livestock Depopulation Guidance (separate from the PFAS Master Application). Contact pfas.dacf@maine.gov.

DACF provides compensation for humanely euthanized animals at USDA-set rates, for animals whose PFAS contamination is difficult to depurate.



Animals with PFAS contamination that is difficult to depurate. May not cover dairy cows, which are covered under USDA's Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP) instead.

Compensation for humanely euthanized animals at USDA-set rates. Dairy cows may instead be covered under USDA DIPP. Subject to change and to funding availability.

Download the applicable program application (Beef Cattle Breeding Stock or Feeder Cattle) and income/expense statement from the program webpage. For further information, contact the Agricultural Resource Development Division at (207) 287-3491 or dacf@maine.gov.

The Agricultural Resource Development Division manages this dedicated revenue fund, making policy and loan-making decisions. Investments of fund dollars provide low-interest loans to Maine beef producers through two programs:


- Maine Beef Cattle Breeding Stock Loan Program - to purchase beef heifers and/or cows for breeding purposes, with resulting calves sold as feeders within one year of age.

- Maine Feeder Cattle Loan Program - to purchase feeder calves intended for slaughter or resale.



The Agricultural Resource Development Division manages this dedicated revenue fund, making policy and loan-making decisions. Investments of fund dollars provide low-interest loans to Maine beef producers through two programs:

- Maine Beef Cattle Breeding Stock Loan Program - to purchase beef heifers and/or cows for breeding purposes, with resulting calves sold as feeders within one year of age.
- Maine Feeder Cattle Loan Program - to purchase feeder calves intended for slaughter or resale.

Residents of Maine who produce beef. Applicants must be able to show proof of denial of commercial credit at a reasonable rate for the purpose of purchasing cattle from one commercial creditor. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan (projected expenses, income expected, type of operation, marketing plan, promotional and advertising budgets, etc.), proof of livestock insurance, and two letters of reference from knowledgeable industry representatives attesting to the borrower's knowledge, skills, and ability pertaining to beef production.

Both programs: interest rate 5%; closing costs a flat $50.00 per loan; may loan up to 90% of purchase price; maximum $50,000 per loan (no minimum), not to exceed 90% of total purchase price. Loan term - Beef Cattle Breeding Stock: up to 24 months; Feeder Cattle: up to 12 months. Collateral in the form of the cattle purchased is required, as well as a piece of farm machinery or equipment equal to the loan. A promissory note is given, and submission of the cattle vendor invoice is required to release payment.

Each year DACF facilitates a Request for Applications, published to the Division of Procurement Services RFP and RFA website. For further information about the grant program, applications, or current projects, contact DACF at (207) 287-3491.

Maine DACF — Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program that offers funding to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Maine-grown and harvested specialty crops. The Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and a review committee select Maine projects to fund through a competitive application process; selected projects are submitted to&#x2004;the USDA for review and approval to be administered by Maine DACF. SCBGP-funded projects must benefit Maine's specialty crop industry and may not be intended to support an individual business or organization.


Since 2002, the program has awarded over $7.5 million to Maine DACF to support specialty crop producers. Each year, DACF facilitates an SCBGP Request for Applications and evaluates applications through a competitive, statewide process. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).



The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program that offers funding to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Maine-grown and harvested specialty crops. The Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and a review committee select Maine projects to fund through a competitive application process; selected projects are submitted to the USDA for review and approval to be administered by Maine DACF. SCBGP-funded projects must benefit Maine's specialty crop industry and may not be intended to support an individual business or organization.

Since 2002, the program has awarded over $7.5 million to Maine DACF to support specialty crop producers. Each year, DACF facilitates an SCBGP Request for Applications and evaluates applications through a competitive, statewide process. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Open to Maine agricultural organizations, educational institutions, specialty crop groups and cooperatives, municipalities, and producers. Projects must benefit Maine's specialty crop industry as a whole and may not be intended to support an individual business or organization. Funded projects have supported research into key commodities, pest management strategies, school initiatives, food safety, and marketing.

Federal formula funding; projects must enhance the competitiveness of Maine specialty crops and are submitted to USDA for approval. Recent (2025) awards ranged from approximately $22,965 to $100,000 per project. Grantees submit quarterly, annual, and final reports.

The request for applications (RFA) opened Wednesday, April 8, 2026 and closed May 22, 2026 at 12:00 noon EST. Applicants applied via the RFA (Word) and online application form on the program webpage.

The purpose of the Community Greenhouse Grant is to fund projects that will deliver the greatest measurable benefit by enhancing food production opportunities through investments in shared, educational-use, durable greenhouses. The grant provides one-time funding for durable greenhouse structures and associated siting and installation costs for schools, community centers, non-profit organizations, and other public entities. DACF anticipated awarding up to $500,000 through this opportunity, with individual awards ranging between $10,000 and $100,000.



Schools, colleges, universities, non-profit organizations, community centers, municipalities, and public entities located in Maine are eligible to apply.

Stewardship

One-time grant funding for durable greenhouse structures and associated siting and installation costs. Award range $10,000 to $100,000; up to $500,000 available in total. Entities are not required to use a specific vendor (DACF publishes a non-endorsing list of Maine greenhouse vendors).

For the 2026 cycle, applications opened January 5, 2026 and were due February 13, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. local time (RFA #ARDFDRF2026). Applications must be submitted via the online form linked in the RFA, with supplemental files emailed to Tom.Gordon@Maine.gov. Applicants may not submit more than one application.

Tom Gordon

The Maine Farmer Drought Relief Fund (FDRF), created by the Maine Legislature (7 M.R.S.A., Chapter 8-A, subchapter 4 section 220-A(3)), assists farmers in the State to overcome the adverse effects of drought&#x2004;conditions by providing grants. The Department makes grants available to farmers to address the need for agricultural water management plans and the installation of agricultural water sources, including dug wells, drilled wells, gravel-packed wells, and water storage ponds.


Category 1 - Agricultural Water Management Plans: up to $7,500 to support design and permitting for Category 2 projects.

Category 2 - Agricultural Water Source Development: up to 90 percent of the cost of installation of a dug water well (up to $15,000), a drilled bedrock well (up to $25,000), a gravel-packed well (up to $50,000), or a water storage pond (up to $50,000).



The Maine Farmer Drought Relief Fund (FDRF), created by the Maine Legislature (7 M.R.S.A., Chapter 8-A, subchapter 4 section 220-A(3)), assists farmers in the State to overcome the adverse effects of drought conditions by providing grants. The Department makes grants available to farmers to address the need for agricultural water management plans and the installation of agricultural water sources, including dug wells, drilled wells, gravel-packed wells, and water storage ponds.

Category 1 - Agricultural Water Management Plans: up to $7,500 to support design and permitting for Category 2 projects.
Category 2 - Agricultural Water Source Development: up to 90 percent of the cost of installation of a dug water well (up to $15,000), a drilled bedrock well (up to $25,000), a gravel-packed well (up to $50,000), or a water storage pond (up to $50,000).

Farmers that operate a farm in Maine are eligible to apply for funds to address agricultural water management of Maine cropland if they meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

a. Have produced gross annual sales of agricultural products of at least $10,000 in at least one of the previous three years; OR
b. Have produced gross annual sales of agricultural products of at least $2,000 annually in each of the previous three years and can demonstrate that the farm provides unique benefits to the local food economy as determined by the Commissioner; OR
c. Have an ancestral history of disinvestment or land dispossession in the State of Maine.

Allowable costs must directly address agricultural water management of Maine cropland. Unallowable costs include field irrigation equipment (e.g., center-pivot or micro-irrigation), and water supply for livestock, residential use, or commercial processing (unless expressly waived by the DACF Commissioner).

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Coronavirus

Trees

Wildfire

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Weather

Emergency

Disaster Relief

The Department made up to $930,000 available for installation of agricultural water sources from nonlapsing funding; an additional $300,000 may be available from FY27 funding after July 1, 2026, at the Department's discretion. Category 2 awards cover up to 90 percent of cost, capped by water-source type ($15,000 dug well / $25,000 drilled bedrock well / $50,000 gravel-packed well / $50,000 water storage pond). Upon signed contract, the period of performance begins and expenses on or after that date are eligible for reimbursement. Governed by the Rules for Operation of the Maine Farmers Drought Relief Fund (01-001, Ch. 38).

Applications open February 11, 2026; written questions due March 3, 2026; applications due March 17, 2026. Apply via the Request for Applications and Application Workbook posted on the program webpage. Contact the RFA coordinator, Matt Boucher, at matthew.boucher@maine.gov with eligibility questions.

Matt Boucher

The Maine Healthy Soils Program offers technical and financial assistance to Maine farmers to improve on-farm soil health and the health of the agricultural economy and environment. Services range from one-on-one soil health coaching&#x2004;to administration of grant and incentive opportunities.


The program's Soil Health Implementation Grant makes grants available to farmers to address on-farm barriers to improving or maintaining soil health. Applicants may apply for up to $65,000 to improve their ability to trial, adopt, scale, or maintain healthy soils best practices; eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, equipment, labor, and materials. The program also partners with Woods End Laboratories to provide no-cost soil health testing (farms are eligible once every three years).



The Maine Healthy Soils Program offers technical and financial assistance to Maine farmers to improve on-farm soil health and the health of the agricultural economy and environment. Services range from one-on-one soil health coaching to administration of grant and incentive opportunities.

The program's Soil Health Implementation Grant makes grants available to farmers to address on-farm barriers to improving or maintaining soil health. Applicants may apply for up to $65,000 to improve their ability to trial, adopt, scale, or maintain healthy soils best practices; eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, equipment, labor, and materials. The program also partners with Woods End Laboratories to provide no-cost soil health testing (farms are eligible once every three years).

Farmers in Maine are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must:

- Own and/or operate a farm operation located in Maine.
- Produce agricultural products with a gross annual value of at least $2,000 intended to be sold commercially in one of the last three years; ALTERNATIVELY, be a farm operation that produces agricultural products with a gross annual value of at least $2,000 to support community access to agricultural products.
- Have access to at least one (1) acre of farmable land (need not be contiguous or fully in production).
- Enroll in the Maine Healthy Soils Program by signing up for program email updates.
- Commit to working with MHSP staff to complete soil health testing and management planning if awarded (unless a current soil health management plan with a test three or fewer years old exists).
- Not have received a Soil Health Implementation Grant in any of the last three funding cycles.

Soil Health

Soil Health Implementation Grant of up to $65,000. Awardees commit to working with MHSP staff on soil health testing and management planning. Recent awards funded equipment such as no-till drills, flail mowers, power harrows, air seeders, and cover crops to support low-disturbance soil health management systems.

Complete the application through the online portal at https://maine-dacf.wizehive.app/program/nrdrap/. Paper applications are available at local FSA or UMaine Extension Offices, by request, or as a downloadable PDF. Application period: August 14, 2026 - November 6, 2026. Program staff hold in-person office hours at FSA offices and virtual Zoom office hours during the application window. Applicants do not need to attend a session to apply.

Lily Kenny

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) administers the Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP), which provides assistance to eligible producers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. This effort is supported by the federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Maine farmers, forestry businesses, and other eligible producers who experienced weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024 may be able to receive assistance through&#x2004;this program and are encouraged to apply.


NRDRAP is designed to help support recovery from eligible losses caused by severe weather, including: crop loss; aquaculture loss; standing timber loss; harvested timber loss; on-farm infrastructure loss; and bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.


Maine has received $60 million in funding to distribute to Maine producers. Maine successfully advocated for including compensation for infrastructure losses in its program, recognizing that these were among the most devastating losses resulting from weather events in 2023 and 2024.



The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) administers the Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP), which provides assistance to eligible producers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. This effort is supported by the federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Maine farmers, forestry businesses, and other eligible producers who experienced weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024 may be able to receive assistance through this program and are encouraged to apply.

NRDRAP is designed to help support recovery from eligible losses caused by severe weather, including: crop loss; aquaculture loss; standing timber loss; harvested timber loss; on-farm infrastructure loss; and bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.

Maine has received $60 million in funding to distribute to Maine producers. Maine successfully advocated for including compensation for infrastructure losses in its program, recognizing that these were among the most devastating losses resulting from weather events in 2023 and 2024.

Eligible producers must have experienced weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024. Key requirements:

- Eligible losses must not have been ones that could have been covered by other existing USDA disaster programs, insurance payouts, or other relief programs.
- Eligible applicants must have ownership or legal authority over the parcel(s) seeking assistance.
- Before receiving payments, applicants will be asked to register as a vendor with the State of Maine.

For timber assistance only, applicants must hire a licensed forester to complete additional required forms (the forester's services are eligible for reimbursement).

Applicants will be eligible for a single payment that shall not exceed 95% of their eligible loss. Upon the closure of the application in November, the Department will determine the payment factor (up to 95%, based on the total loss coverage requested by all eligible applicants and the total $60M available) applied to each applicant's eligible loss calculation. Payments made under NRDRAP are considered taxable income and must be reported on taxes. Applicants must maintain financial and other records related to this program for three (3) years, as required by the USDA.

Applications are submitted in competitive rounds. For the current cycle (RFA #PFNDT2025001 Targeted Grants Round 1 and RFA #PFNDM2025002 Major Grants Round 2): call for pre-proposals opened October 1, 2025 via online form; pre-proposals closed November 10, 2025; complete applications were due February 13, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST; anticipated award notification May 8, 2026. RFAs and materials are posted on the program webpage; questions to the RFA Coordinator via PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov.

Maine DACF — PFAS Fund Research Grants

Through the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund), Maine DACF operates a competitive research grant program to fund research that helps farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their&#x2004;property. The program supports scientific research, explores establishing a research station on PFAS Fund-purchased property, and compiles and shares resulting scientific information.


There are two grant categories:

- Major Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 to support multi-year research projects.

- Targeted Grants of less than $100,000 for projects smaller in scope and duration (up to 18 months).


Research priorities and targeted questions include the movement, remediation, and disposal of PFAS in agricultural materials; markets for contaminated hay; PFAS accumulation in horses/pigs/pollinators and Christmas trees; livestock correlation studies; and communication strategies for impacted producers.



Through the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund), Maine DACF operates a competitive research grant program to fund research that helps farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property. The program supports scientific research, explores establishing a research station on PFAS Fund-purchased property, and compiles and shares resulting scientific information.

There are two grant categories:
- Major Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 to support multi-year research projects.
- Targeted Grants of less than $100,000 for projects smaller in scope and duration (up to 18 months).

Research priorities and targeted questions include the movement, remediation, and disposal of PFAS in agricultural materials; markets for contaminated hay; PFAS accumulation in horses/pigs/pollinators and Christmas trees; livestock correlation studies; and communication strategies for impacted producers.

Open to researchers proposing projects that help commercial farmers make informed decisions about utilizing agricultural property impacted by PFAS. Proposals should address a targeted research question or PFAS Fund research priority, benefit Maine farm viability, and fill a gap in the literature. (This program is distinct from the farmer financial assistance suite - applicants are researchers, not impacted farmers directly.)

Major Grants: minimum $100,000, maximum $500,000 each, multi-year period of performance. Targeted Grants: less than $100,000 each, period of performance 12 to 18 months. The most recent cycle allocated approximately $3 million for Major Grants and $500,000 for Targeted Grants. Period of performance begins upon signed contract.

Apply through RFA #ARDSCBGPEQUIP via the Minor Equipment Grant Application Workbook. The RFA opened February 11, 2026; applications are due April 3, 2026 by 12:00 noon Eastern Time. All communication must go through the RFA Coordinator, Jessica Routhier (specialtycropblockgrant@maine.gov). Online information sessions and registration are on the program website.

The Maine Specialty Crop Minor Equipment Grant helps Maine specialty crop producers purchase minor equipment to strengthen and grow their operations. It is funded through the 2025 Maine Specialty Crop Block Grant Program State Plan. Unlike the broader Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, this grant is available to individual commercial farms.



Specialty crop producers headquartered in Maine. Eligible applicants must own and operate a commercial farm in Maine, grow and harvest at least one specialty crop in Maine, and must not have received prior DACF grant funding from the Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program (AIIP) or the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. Specialty crops are fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Award range is $2,000–$10,000 per selected recipient; DACF anticipates awarding up to approximately $290,000 through this RFA and may make multiple awards. Minor equipment is tangible, nonexpendable business property with a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost that equals or exceeds $2,000 and is less than $10,000; used minor equipment is allowable.

List of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (ME DACF) Funding Opportunities