Program areas at Maine Farmland Trust
Farmland protection permanently protected Farmland through acceptance of donated agricultural conservation easements, purchase of agricultural conservation easements, and purchase, protection, and resale of farms. In 2022, mft completed 13 land protection projects, protecting 1,178 acres of land.
Education and outreach program provided workshops, presentations, regional meetings and displays at agricultural and related events to present both general and technical information about mft's work. Hosted a variety of events to increase public awareness about farming's needs and opportunities, including film showings, food events, art exhibits, etc. Approximately 715 people were served through 16 events in 2022.
Farmland business planning directly supported farmers with business planning, offering training and technical assistance to farmers. In 2022, our farm business planning program served over 50 farms.
Farmland access collaborated with external partners to address systemic and individual Farmland access and transfer challenges. Operated farmlink, which matches prospective farmers with landowners that have farms available for lease or sale. In 2022, our farmlink program assured that 833 acres of transitioning Farmland remained in farming through 9 farm links to new farmers. (144,366 expenses) the stewardship program is responsible for monitoring protected Farmland to ensure that the conservation values of the property are protected forever. Mft completed annual easement monitoring for 272 easements in 2022. (246,859 expenses) climate and soil health organized a peer-to-peer network of Maine farmers that supported farms protected with an mft easement in building soil health through on-farm research, education and technical expertise, and financial support. In 2022, 16 farms participated in our climate resilience programming. (76,230 expenses) pfas response directly supported farmers affected by pfas by providing education, technical assistance, and grants to support farms affected by pfas. Approximately 100 farms were served in 2022. (387,847 expenses) policy & research worked on federal, state, and municipal policy issues that affect Maine farms, and engaged in those policy areas that directly impact our ability to protect Farmland, support farmers, and advance the future of farming. Conducted research and prepared reports and articles to inform mft's policy work, support other mft program areas, and educate policymakers and the public about issues affecting Maine agriculture. (239,709 expenses) nutrition incentives coordinated a nutrition incentive program that helped low-income consumers to access locally-grown and produced food and Maine farmers to gain new customers. (117,627 expenses)