Sustainable Agriculture and Aquaculture Resources
Agriculture
Land for Good
Land for Good works to assist farmers throughout New England. By improving diversity and innovation in farming opportunities, local communities will benefit from healthy lands and a secure food supply. They help new farmers find land to start or expand their business, established farmers secure land tenure or transition their operations, and non-farming landowners to create or improve farming uses on their land. They provide education, training, one-on-one advising, and technical assistance to farmers and landowners, and encourage them to work collaboratively with community leaders, agencies, service providers, advocacy groups, and community members. Land for Good also conducts research to develop and implement valuable innovations, as well as strengthen public policy to work towards improvements in social, economic, and political systems.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
While the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry manages a broad array of topics, their website has information related to agricultural regulations, programs, and educational resources. The Department may assist agricultural businesses with production and marketing issues, business planning, or loan and grant applications depending on the circumstances. There are many detailed and valuable resources about topics such as nutrient management, viable horticulture, maintaining regulatory compliance with the state, PFAS, and appropriate pesticide use.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) was formed in 1971, and is both the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. It is a broad community that educates about and advocates for organic agriculture. They provide programs and technical support that address production, business, and quality of life issues for aspiring, beginning and established farmers and producers. The MOFGA website has many free resources for all things related to organic and sustainable living. They have also been at the heart of changing Maine culture and dramatically increasing the popularity of organic local agriculture and healthy rural living. This community works together to transform the food system and celebrate rural living. MOFGA promotes legislation critical to organic farmers and gardeners, addresses climate change, and supports a healthy environment, a strong rural economy, and a socially just, healthy society. The Common Ground Country Fair is held annually at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine. The Fair features more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers, and highlights organic agriculture while emphasizing vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies. MOFGA hosts hundreds of events, meetings, workshops, conferences, dinners and festive gatherings throughout the year.
Maine Potato Board
The Maine potato industry prides itself on producing a high-quality product. Maine’s potato growers have always been committed to sustainable farming practices which extend to every facet of grower’s work and plans for future growth. Growers know that sustainability is important for their future, the future of their farms, and the future of their families, but also to the consumers who eventually purchase and eat their products. Assuring long-term responsible use of open space means less chance of Maine’s working farms being sectioned off, sold, and developed for other uses. Farm management philosophies for Maine’s potato growers are based on the principle of creating a farming community that focuses on the best choices for productivity, environmental stewardship, and prosperity. When these best practices are properly implemented growers can expect their farming operations to be economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable for years to come.
Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society
MESAS works to demonstrate how sustainable agriculture practices benefit farmers, assist farmers to evaluate practices, share information, contribute to beneficial policies, and help develop infrastructure for changing agricultural needs and markets. MESAS works with local, national, and international innovators and educators to improve and support sustainable agriculture in Maine.
Northeast Cover Crops Council
The Northeast Cover Crops Council (NECCC) is composed of farmers and representatives from agribusiness, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities and endeavors to bridge knowledge gaps, foster collaborative research, report best management practices, and develop web-based support tools to promote the adoption and benefits of cover crops. Cover crops are grown to improve the sustainability of cropping systems by providing environmental and economic benefits such as decreased soil erosion, uptake of residual soil nutrients, improved soil quality, habitat for beneficial organisms, and weed suppression. The mission of the Northeast Cover Crops Council is to support the successful implementation of cover crops to maximize economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
SARE offers grassroots, farmer-driven grants and education programs with the principles of sustainable agriculture in mind. More than 8,000 projects have been funded since 1988. Farmers, ranchers, researchers, Extension agents, educators, and graduate students within U.S. states or island protectorates may apply for SARE grants. The Professional Development Program (PDP) provides training, grants, and resources for agricultural professionals to build knowledge and skills related to sustainable agriculture. Many informational resources related to sustainable agriculture can be found on the SARE site.
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment
Wolfe’s Neck Center has been operating as a sustainable farm on the coast of Maine for almost 60 years, demonstrating sustainable farming practices and providing an educational resource center for innovative practices in regenerative agriculture. The Center uses regenerative farming practices to rebuild agricultural land through a changing climate, and has introduced new innovations which balance agricultural output with both community and ecosystemic health. Wolfe’s Neck encompasses a campground, several agricultural and educational buildings, and 3 miles of nature trails. There are many volunteer and educational programs and activities for academic, extracurricular, or professional groups, as well as any individuals who are interested.
Aquaculture
Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
The MAIC was created by the Maine legislature in 1988 to assist and support economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture opportunities in Maine. Some projects involve research and development of food, pharmaceuticals, and other products related to sustainable aquatic systems. MAIC also invests in the enhancement of aquaculture capacity, provides education and information about aquaculture to the public, and promotes collaborations with the goal of improving research, technology, and implementation of aquaculture in Maine
Maine Coast Harvest
Maine Coast Harvest is a series of short documentary films that share the stories of Maine’s sea farmers. Maine is an environmentally ideal place for aquaculture, but this potential is far from being fully realized. Aquaculture is a promising opportunity for young people and entrepreneurs while providing diversification opportunities for seafaring families. These videos provide a more personal view into the aquaculture industry and how Maine citizens have been personally impacted.