The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station is the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture’s center for applied and basic research that strives to enhance the profitability and sustainability of Maine’s natural resource-based industries, protect Maine’s environment, and improve the health of its citizens.
As UMaine’s largest research center, the station supports more than 75 faculty members who use cutting-edge tools to address emerging and longstanding challenges in agriculture and food sciences, forestry and wood products, fisheries and aquaculture, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and rural economic development.
Other research programs strive to protect Maine’s environment, promote public health, and assist rural communities. Discoveries are translated into new production methods, new pest management and disease treatments, new value-added products, new programs to improve the nutrition of Maine citizens, and new information for community leaders. The station’s use-inspired research has a proven track record for developing new knowledge that fuels innovation in Maine’s businesses and communities.
As part of a federal partnership with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Maine scientists also work with colleagues at other state experiment stations to integrate activities and pool resources to solve problems that extend beyond our state’s borders.