Governor Mills Declares November 29, 2024, as “Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day” Maine-grown Christmas Trees and Wreaths Generate $18 Million in Annual Economic Impact Augusta – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed Friday, November 29, 2024, as “Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day” to honor […]
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Augusta (August 27, 2024) – 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 […]
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The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) has restarted it’s publication funding program after a two-year pause. We are proud to announce that with the first cycle of 2024 funding, MAFES has supported seven peer-reviewed publications. These publications reflect the diverse research programs supported by the Experiment Station (see below). A second 2024 funding […]
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Warm weather means many farms across Maine will be hosting public access hours and events (check Real Maine or local farm websites for hours and details). MAFES’ Aroostook, Blueberry Hill, Highmoor, and Rogers farms will all be hosting field days and other opportunities for public access throughout the summer (see our events page for details). […]
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Stephanie Burnett, Associate Professor of Horticulture School of Food and Agriculture How I got to UMaine/MAFES: I am originally from the Panhandle of Florida, and I was raised by an engineer and nurse. Our extended family has strong roots in farming and horticulture; my great grandparents owned a citrus orchard in central Florida, and […]
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A thriving horticulture industry relies upon the assessment and introduction of dependable, attractive plants for the landscape. The introduction of nonnative plants comes with ecological risks, making evaluation and promotion of native plants an attractive alternative. The proposed research will support the ornamental and native plant segments of New England’s horticulture industry by generating practical […]
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Horticulture, including the greenhouse industry, is vibrant and economically important. For example, in 2009, specialty crops were valued at $11.7 billion dollars according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Greenhouses allow specialty crop growers to grow in adverse climates and extend the growing season, which is particularly important in northern areas of the United States. […]
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