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