Thursday, March 7, 2013

Applications for Two Major Conservation Initiatives due April 19


Bangor, ME – February 25, 2013, 2012 – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Juan Hernandez has announced a second ranking period for the Organic Initiative and the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative.  Interested producers should contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for either of these programs.  Applications for the second ranking period of 2013 are due at the NRCS offices by close of business on April 19, 2013.  Both initiatives are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and offer technical and financial assistance.

Through the Organic Initiative NRCS helps certified organic growers and producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation practices for organic production.  Funding is available to help producers plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production.  “Practices will help the selected applicants meet many requirements of their USDA Organic System Plans and stay in compliance with USDA’s National Organic Program,” said Hernandez.

Through the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, NRCS helps producers plan and implement high tunnels – steel-framed, polyethylene-covered structures that extend growing seasons in an environmentally safe manner.  High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil quality, fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment, and better air quality due to fewer vehicles being needed to transport crops.

For more information go to www.me.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your nearest USDA Service Center, listed online at http://offices.usda.gov or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department.

Coalition Providing Assistance to New Farmers


Bangor, ME – February 26, 2013 -- Are you a new farmer?  Do you need help navigating the various programs and services available to help you succeed in your new farming enterprise?

A group of federal, state and local farm service providers have joined together to assist aspiring, beginning, and transitioning farmers to succeed…providing information and assistance on everything from the soil to your wallet.

Known as the Beginning Farmer Resource Network of Maine (BFRN), this coalition of farm service providers supports the whole farm community including agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry.  They are dedicated to helping farmers succeed, as well as ensuring that agriculture stays prosperous in the future. 

BFRN has created a website that will hopefully serve as a resource for beginning farmers.  It offers a “toolbox” of information on important issues/concerns that farmers should think about when starting their business.  It provides resources and contacts on such issues as acquiring land, how to farm, conserving natural resources, planning and managing your business, financing, regulations, marketing, and much more.  It also provides information on events and workshops that may be of interest. 

Finding what you need to start farming shouldn’t be like finding a shear pin in a haystack.  Go to www.umaine.edu/beginning-farmer-resource-network/…the one stop website for new farmers. 

Elaine Tremble
Public Affairs Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
967 Illinois Avenue, Suite #3
Bangor, ME 04401
Tel: 207-990-9569
Fax: 207-990-9599

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

We want to talk to you!


Fossa's General Store seeks Producers

After years of delays and setbacks the Dexter Farm Project is pleased to announce that we expect to open the Fossa's General Store on the corner of Main street and Route 7 in Dexter soon. 

We will be offering food products produced primarily within 35+ miles of Dexter.  

We hope to  be able to offer a wide variety of items ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy products, baked goods, and value-added items.  We aim to offer the consumer the widest variety of products that we can, weather that be certified organic or not. 

We are currently seeking products that will be available for our opening in April.

 Interested producers are welcome to contact either Ernest Rollins at 717-7057 or by email ewrollins@ymail.com , or Judy Wilbur Craig at 270.1240 or by email judy@DexterFarmProject.com 

Click here for the Guidelines for Producers – adopted 03.05.2013 by DRDC Board of Directors.

 For folks on Facebook we post nearly daily updates on our construction progress at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dexterfarmproject

Judy Wilbur Craig
Dexter Community Farm Project Coordinator

Website: www.DexterFarmProject.com 
Photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/fossageneralstore
Blog: http://DexterFarmProject.blogspot.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dexterfarmproject 
Fossa General Store:  207.924.DEXTer (924.3398)