Producers have until Friday, December 11, 2020, to apply for USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Round 2.

In case you've had questions about the program, or haven't thought you were eligible, here is one Maine veg farm's experience applying.

1) you thought you'd have to show income loss (you don't, you just give them your 2019 crop sales, and it's meant to compensate for added costs and market disruptions, not just income loss)

2) you didn't think the $$ amount would be worth the time (for fruits & veggies, and several other farm products, it's around 10% of your 2019 gross income!!!). The deadline is December 11th! Contact your FSA office!"

It can take some time to get enrolled so contact your county USDA Farm Service Agency field office with questions today.

Additional Application Resources are available at: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is expanding the pilot Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) plan for hemp. The expansion, as well as other improvements to the plan, will begin in the 2021 crop year. More information.

These visits are non-regulatory and are a great chance to walk around the farm together to discuss any potential food safety issues and troubleshoot any questions you may have.

Leah Cook- Food Inspection Supervisor- 207-592-1618- [email protected]

This FREE webinar begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be repeated at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required. Register Online

For more information or reasonable accommodation, please contact Donna Coffin at 207.543.3301 or [email protected].

Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 7 pm – 8 pm

A one-hour Zoom meeting will be held consisting of two half-hour presentations. The two topics are Weed Management (by John Jemison, UMaine Cooperative Extension), and Potato Storage Management (by Steve Johnson, UMaine Cooperative Extension). More info and registration.

One MBPC recertification credit and one CCA Credit have been approved for this meeting.

In regards to the BFRN COVID-19 Maine Farmer Survey series that took place 3 times throughout 2020, our group has pulled together a list of the programs and resources that were adapted or created in direct response to your input. This includes offering old programs in new ways, policy change at the local and federal level, creation of financial support programs, and resource and guidance creation. Thank you for your hard work through this tough year, and as always, don't hesitate to reach out if there are anyways that we can support your farm operation.

Gives include what you’re willing to bring to the project to ensure success- this might include your marketing skills.

Gains are what you hope to achieve, whether that is a personal goal or one you feel is critical to the project’s success. In other words, what do you get out of your participation?

Capturing the “groans” is key at the start of a collaboration. What are you worried about? Are there experiences you’ve had, didn’t enjoy and would like to avoid? Share those here! 

Guidelines are where you can identify what works for you and it is helpful to include specifics. For example, I love a deadline, I want it in writing and I want others to hold themselves accountable. What’s important to you? Capture it in the guidelines. 

Want help to implement the 4G’s on your farm? Reach out to the farmcoaching team to set-up a free consultation and a step-by-step setup of your own 4Gs activity.

The New England Grazing Network will hopefully be a great resource to you and your operations and further the educational opportunities throughout the region. As an example, starting in January, the Granite State Graziers will coordinating educational webinars every Wednesday through March, featuring farmers and grazing experts throughout the Northeast, including Maine.

Livestock producers can help guide what topics will be covered by completing this survey.

5-minute survey: Cornell Cooperative Extension is a partner on a Rochester Institute of Technology project that is creating new methods for manufacturing plastic mulch and promoting its field break-down. The project aims to tightly match new product development to real-world grower preferences, on-farm use patterns, and current economic constraints surrounding plastic film use.

10-minute survey: Faculty and students at Colgate University study the ecology of invasive earthworm species, their environmental impact, and possible strategies for control. Invasive earthworms known as "jumping worms" are actively colonizing portions of North America.  Their current distribution is not clear, nor are their effects on natural and managed environments. If you have observed Jumping Worms on your farm or forest, please help by completing this survey.