Resources
Agricultural Resources
Acres U.S.A.
North America's oldest, largest magazine covering commercial-scale organic and sustainable farming. You can subscribe to the monthly publication and find books, DVDs and audio tapes on a variety of sustainable agriculture topics by speakers like Arden Andersen, Gary Zimmer, Neil Kinsey, Jerry Brunetti and more. Free sample issue and book catalog available. The Toolbox page offers article reprints and links to other important sites.
Business, Marketing and Risk Management
Resources to guide agricultural business planning and help farmers manage the amount of risk in their enterprises. Resources featured here also offer advice on diversifying, developing new markets and adding value to farm products to increase income.
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency administers farm commodity and conservation programs for farmers and makes and guarantees farm emergency, ownership, and operating loans.
Maine Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
There are 16 soil and water conservation districts in Maine. By working with landowners, organizations and government, local districts have helped to protect our soil, water, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources for over 60 years. Find the office nearest you.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources
The Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources is the State's lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system from the field to the table. This site features links to all Department divisions, programs, boards and commissions as well as news and upcoming events. Be sure to check out their regular newsletter, Ag Today.
Maine FarmLink
Maine FarmLink is a farm transfer program that connects farmers seeking farmland with retiring farmers and farm owners who wish to see their agricultural lands remain active.
Maine Farms for the Future
Farms for the Future is a two-phase assistance program that helps Maine farmers plan for the future of their agricultural enterprise.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
Founded in 1971, MOFGA has grown from a loose affiliation of farmers and gardeners committed to growing healthy, chemical free food, to an internationally recognized advocate for food production that enhances and protects the ecological as well as economic vitality of rural communities.
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
The latest in sustainable agriculture and organic farming news, events and funding opportunities. This website features in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities
Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and technical assistance to address natural resource conservation issues on private land. NRCS employees work to improve and protect natural resources in partnership with Soil and Water Conservation Districts, federal, state and local agencies, Resource Conservation and Development Councils, farmers, landowners and communities.
Pike Agri-Lab Supplies
This family-run business in Strong, Maine provides test kits and monitoring instruments to the agriculture and composting industries. The website provides information on plant tissue testing, soil testing and composting, as well as the tools, resources and books for growing top quality, minerally nutritious food.
The New England Small Farm Institute
The New England Farm Institute promotes small farm development by providing information and training for aspiring, beginning and transitioning farmers. Their program, "Exploring the Small Farm Dream," includes a collection of online resources for self-study.
The New Farm
The Rodale Institute's website devoted to innovative agriculture research, outreach and training. This web site features expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct marketing, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collaborations. NewFarm.org is an electronic magazine covering the successes and challenges of organic and sustainable farming nationwide and beyond.
The Pitchfork
A recently launched online community forum and information clearinghouse devoted to all aspects of farming and gardening in the Midcoast area. Anyone can join, whether you're completely new to farming and gardening or a seasoned pro. Membership is free.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Cooperative Extension provides research-based information designed to meet the needs of Maine citizens; programs cover a wide range of topics related to sustainable agriculture, natural resources, families, health and nutrition, and youth development. Find crop-specific information including enterprise budgets.
Forestry Resources
Department of Conservation Maine Forest Service WoodsWise Program
Practical advice and information for forest landowners from the Maine Forest Service.
Forest Landowner's Guide to Internet Resources
This listing was developed to provide non-industrial, private landowners with a better understanding of the information and resources available on the internet relating to forest stewardship.
Maine Association of Soil & Water Conservation District
There are 16 soil and water conservation districts in Maine. By working with landowners, organizations and government, local districts have helped to protect our soil, water, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources for over 60 years. Find the office nearest you.
Maine Wood Products Association
A service to individuals and companies around the world who are looking for sources of wood products made in Maine.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and technical assistance to address natural resource conservation issues on private land. NRCS employees work to improve and protect natural resources in partnership with Soil and Water Conservation Districts, federal, state and local agencies, Resource Conservation and Development Councils, farmers, landowners and communities.
Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs)
Web site for forest managers, processors or marketers of NTFPs from The Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and The Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Blacksburg, Virginia.
USDA National Agroforestry Center
Anything and everything you want to know about agroforestry.
Business Resources
Maine Business Works
Easy access to many of the resources needed to develop and grow a successful small business in Maine. This site features a compressive list of educational opportunities and financing programs throughout the State.
Maine Small Business Development Centers
Business management assistance, training resource and information services for Maine's micro, small and technology-based business communities.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension's (UMCE) Small and Home-Based Business Virtual Resource Library. UMCE provides small business education for Maine people through a network of 16 county extension offices throughout the state. Educational workshops, programs and business management publications are available on a variety of business-related topics.