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DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal Joins White House Event on Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Rural America
October 8, 2024 - AUGUSTA - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal will participate in a high-level White House event today, focusing on the future of agriculture and the critical role of rural America. Hosted by senior White House officials and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the "Farmers and Ranchers In Action" event will highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's historic investments in family farms, rural communities, and the broader food system. Continue Reading
Maine State Forester Patty Cormier Elected President of the National Association of State Foresters
September 27, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) proudly announces that Patty Cormier, Maine State Forester, has been elected President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Cormier's election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Maine State Forester to hold this prestigious position since Austin Wilkins 59 years ago. Cormier will serve a one-year term as NASF President, continuing her long-standing commitment to sustainable forestry and forest management. Continue Reading
DACF Issues Product Recall for Rainbow Farm Eggs Amid Salmonella Outbreak
September 19, 2024 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has issued an official product recall for eggs from Rainbow Farm in Orland, Maine, following a salmonellosis outbreak. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified the consumption of these eggs as the source of the outbreak. Continue Reading
Critical Information about Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Schools Advised to Take Action to Mitigate Risk
September 18, 2024 - To IPM Coordinators: We are writing today in partnership with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), to bring to your attention that Maine is currently experiencing significantly elevated risks of mosquito-borne illness. We are strongly advising that precautions be taken to mitigate that risk. Continue Reading
Maine DACF Offers $3 Million in Grants to Study PFAS Solutions for Farmers
September 16, 2024 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) has opened applications for $3 million in research grants to address the impact of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on agriculture. The funding is part of the states ongoing effort to help farmers manage the challenges posed by PFAS contamination and to identify strategies to maintain viable agricultural operations. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Announces New Land for Maine's Future Conservation Projects
September 16, 2024 - Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for 12 new Land for Maine's Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, preserving thousands of acres of farmland, undeveloped land, and vital working waterfront access for generations to come. Continue Reading
Maine DACF Announces Grant Opportunity for Food System Infrastructure Equipment: Up to $2.5 Million Available to Boost Local Food Supply Chain Resilience
September 13, 2024 - AUGUSTA- The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is seeking applications for funding through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Equipment-Only Program (RFSI). Continue Reading
Maine Local Food Spending Insights Revealed: Significant Growth Potential in Regional Food Consumption
September 10, 2024 - Continue Reading
Experience the Best of Maine: DACF Showcases Over 30 Maine Brands and Artists at The Big E 2024
September 9, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal and Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine announced today that the department is supporting more than 30 Maine brands and businesses, along with four featured artists, through exhibits at the Maine Building at the 2024 Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Continue Reading
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Identified in a Maine Horse
September 6, 2024 - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine DACF) announced today that a horse from Somerset County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE). This is the third domestic animal this year to test positive for the virus, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Continue Reading
Maine Launches New Online Tools for Community Planning
September 3, 2024 - Augusta, Maine- The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) has released two online tools to help Maine communities plan for the future. Continue Reading
Maine Awards Over $600,000 in Grants to Boost Specialty Crop Producers
August 27, 2024 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today an investment in Maine's agricultural sector of more than $600,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards (SCBGP). This funding will help a diverse group of recipients, including the University of Maine System, North Spore, LLC, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, to drive innovation and create new market opportunities for our state's specialty crop producers. These grants are crucial in helping our farmers and producers withstand the ongoing and mounting challenges facing the agriculture sector posed by the economy and environment. Continue Reading
Maine's Forestry Community Champions Water Quality Protection During Timber Harvesting
August 1, 2024 - Augusta-The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) is happy to announce the results of its 2022-2023 study on the implementation and effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in timber harvesting across the state. BMPs are voluntary measures designed to safeguard water quality, and their usage and effectiveness are rigorously monitored by MFS's 11 District Foresters and Water Resources Specialists. These monitoring results are reported biannually. The 2022-2023 results are consistent with previous years, showing a solid commitment to BMPs within Maine's forestry and logging community. Notably, there was a 5% decrease in sedimentation associated with crossing structures since the 2020-2021 report, reducing the total to 29%. Historically, sedimentation is most often linked to crossing structures, averaging 31% from 2005 to 2023. Continue Reading
Dr. Ryan P. Gordon Named as Maine State Geologist
July 30, 2024 - AUGUSTA, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce Dr. Ryan P. Gordon as the new Maine State Geologist with the Maine Geological Survey (MGS). Ryan officially started his new role on July 22, 2024. Continue Reading
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