News and Announcements

09/09/2010
Request for Proposals - Maine Farmland Trust

Farm Viability Program
Business Planning Assistance Support

Maine Farmland Trust is offering a new business planning assistance opportunity to farms and ag-related businesses within the greater Unity, ME region. It has been made possible through a Community Food Projects grant from the USDA that is designed to support local food production and community food security. This program is accepting applications from those interested in receiving individualized business planning assistance throughout this fall and winter. Accepted applicants will be assisted by a team of experts to develop and implement their business plan in order to realize new farming opportunities, bring increased profitability to the business, and enhance a steadily growing local foods system. The desired outcome of this project is an increase in financially sustainable farm-based operations that lead to greater local economic opportunities for farming and the community.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for this program you must:
i. Own and operate a farm related business that has been producing agricultural products or services commercially in the State of Maine for at least 1 year, and you do not need to own the land associated with the business.
ii. Incorporate goals of community food security including increased production for local markets and increased food access for low-income persons.
iii. Plan for the future of the farmland involved with the business. Maine Farmland Trust will assist you in exploring various strategies to protect one of the major economic drivers of the business, the farmland itself. There will be no obligation for a landowner to preserve farmland, but MFT is looking to landowners becoming familiar with options. If you have questions about this, please contact us.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Your application must be received by Tuesday, Oct 5, 2010

Copies of the RFP and Application are available from:
Mike Gold, Project Coordinator
Maine Farmland Trust – Farm Viability Program
PO Box 321 Unity, ME 04988
(207) 948-6575 mgold@mainefarmlandtrust.org