The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has awarded nearly $1 million through its Maine Healthy Soils Program to help 19 farms implement projects that improve soil health, increase farm resilience, and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability.
The DACF awarded $960,000 through the competitive Soil Health Implementation Grant (SHIG) program, which provides grants of up to $65,000 to help farmers overcome practical barriers to adopting proven soil health practices. Projects include investments in equipment, drainage improvements, irrigation upgrades, cover cropping, reduced tillage, rotational grazing, and other practices that improve soil function while protecting Maine's working lands.
"The Maine Healthy Soils program helps farmers to incorporate new practices into their production systems that are aimed at enhancing resilience and long-term productivity," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. "Investments in soil health now will pay dividends for our farms, our environment, and future generations."
Demand for the program continues to grow. In its second year, the Department received 98 applications requesting nearly $5 million, demonstrating strong interest from farmers across Maine. Twelve of the 19 recipients are receiving DACF grant funding for the first time, reflecting the program's expanding reach into Maine's agricultural community.
"Investing in soil health is an investment in Maine agriculture," said Matt Boucher, Maine Healthy Soils Program Manager. "These farmer-led projects will strengthen farms, improve resilience, and help ensure our working lands remain productive well into the future."
Source : maine.gov