CARES Act Funding Needed for Maine Farms and Food Businesses (and Fisheries)

From MOFGA…

“Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has put together a sign on letter to Governor Mills asking for CARES Act support for Maine Farms. Stacy Brenner (Broadturn Farm and Democratic candidate for Maine Senate in District 30) and Sarah Alexander (ED of MOFGA) wrote an Opinion piece to the Portland Press Herald on this same theme.

The Economic Recovery Committee that is advising Governor Mills just released their recommendations last week, and unfortunately they don't include any specific support for farms and agriculture.

DACF Commissioner Beal shared with the legislature that she requested $80 million for Maine Agriculture out of the $1.25 billion CARES Act funding, and it's critical that the Governor hear from food and farm constituents that this request is important to the long term survival of food businesses in Maine.

Please take a moment to sign on to this new letter to the Governor if you're a farm or food business.”

Sign on by 5pm on 7/28!

***MFC notes that there is no support mentioned for fisheries in this letter and we will be working to share the need for support of our fisheries, as well as farm and food businesses.***

Students Seeking Opportunities in Ag Employment

The Maine Dept. of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) works with adults, as well as with eligible students to coordinate their transition into employment. Currently, VR has youth clients aged 15-18 years old with an interest in agriculture. VR is looking to partner with agricultural businesses interested in introducing young people to the wide variety of agricultural jobs and careers available in Maine. As needed, VR may provide support to assist with the transition, as well as customized workplace training to enhance your workplace culture and dispel disability stereotypes. VR also partners with Maine AgrAbility where workplace modifications are needed.

Are you:

Located in Greater Bangor, York Country, Cumberland County or the Bowdoinham area?

Able to host a work experience placement starting this July?

Interested in the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce?

Willing to help the next generation explore their future in agriculture?

Student profiles:

15-18 years old.

Have an interest in agriculture.

Have their own transportation to your workplace.

Schedules may be arranged to meet student and employer needs.

Program details:

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will provide wage support in collaboration with Manpower - as the employer of record.

This opportunity is for the month of July, but may be extended.

All sites must follow all labor laws concerning the employment of minors.

How do I find out more?

Contact your area’s VR Specialist to discuss if this opportunity is right for you.

Southern and MidCoast:

Darcy Brockman

Darcy.Brockman@maine.gov

(207) 822-3343

Greater Bangor:

Elizabeth Nitzel

Elizabeth.A.Nitzel@maine.gov

(207) 623-6798

Local Organizations Promoting Food Access with Seedlings

PRESS RELEASE

7/16/2020

The midcoast Maine region is home to a particularly high density of farms and organizations
committed to promoting food access. Over the past months, a number of local farms, along with
the Merrymeeting Gleaners and the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT), have been working
together on an ambitious project to collect and distribute hundreds of seedlings to dozens of food
access programs across the southern midcoast region. The project is already proving hugely
successful, with thousands of plants having been distributed. In time, these seedlings will mature
in various gardens around the region and yield significantly more food per unit than
redistributing already grown vegetables.

“We hadn’t done much seedling donation before this year,” said Ben Whatley, co-owner of
Whatley Farm, one of the farms who has taken the lead in donating seedlings. “It was always just
excess produce going through... when we’ve had the gleaners out to glean the crops on the
fields. [Gleaning seedlings] was a new idea [for us].”

A few months ago, Whatley reached out to Kelly Davis (Gleaning Coordinator for the
Merrymeeting Gleaners) and Jamie Pacheco (Program Manager at BTLT) offering to donate a
variety of excess vegetable seedlings. Pacheco and Davis contacted a network of partner
organizations in the area to gauge interest, with the Merrymeeting Gleaners managing the
logistics and distribution. The response was rapid and enthusiastic.

“Seedlings aren’t really something we’ve gleaned before, but [Whatley] reached out to us asking
if we could use the seedlings and I was like ‘OK, let’s try it,”’ said Davis. “I put an email out to
all our partners and I got an overwhelming response—within half an hour, I had to stop taking
requests!”

Read the full press release…

Join us for a Film Discussion - the Economics of Happiness

Join Merrymeeting Food Council’s Merrymeeting Gleaners and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust in a virtual panel discussion of the Economics of Happiness as part of Curtis Memorial Library's Films Discussion Series.  This film considers "the social, spiritual, and ecological costs of today’s global economy while highlighting the multiple benefits of economic localization". Explore the importance of eating locally and other economic strategies that support our communities.

Munch on your lunch, login to zoom, and join us as we discuss the film (available to stream for free with your library card on Kanopy). (Get access to Kanopy with your Curtis Memorial Library card here: https://curtislibrary.com/kanopy/).

Watch the film online before this discussion, then come with your questions, comments and inspiration! A zoom link will be sent to those who register here: https://curtislibrary.libcal.com/event/6707554

July 29th, 12-1pm.

Learn more about the event here (Facebook Event).

Support the Little Jubba Central Maine Agrarian Commons

With your support, the Little Jubba Central Maine Agrarian Commons plans to purchase a 100-acre farm. 

As a 501(c)(2) land-holding entity founded through a partnership between Agrarian Trust and the Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine (SBCA), the Little Jubba Central Maine Agrarian Commons will create expanded land access opportunities for the SBCA's Liberation Farms program.   

Agrarian Trust, in collaboration with partners and in support of Somali Bantu Community Association, is raising capital to: 

- Acquire Hilliard Farm ($430,000) $230,000 needed at purchase 

- Fund Endowments Land Stewardship ($25,000) soil & ecosystem investment 

- Building Reserves ($60,000) systems & structures maintenance 

- Carry Cost Reserves ($20,000) taxes, insurance, utility, and related 

- Project and Closing Costs ($32,000) needed at purchase 

Total on or before December 1, 2020 - $367,000

For the full press release, read on…

Farm Aid Northeast BIPOC Farmers and Fisherfolk Relief Fund

Dear Northeast BIPOC Farmers and Fisherfolks,

The Northeast BIPOC Farmer Relief Fund is now accepting applications for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) folks living in the Northeast who work in agriculture and have been economically impacted by the COVID crisis. Funded by Farm Aid, this fund will provide $500 relief payments for up to 200 applicants. In order to be eligible for funding, you must:     

• Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color)    

• Work on a farm, ranch, in agriculture, or as a fisherperson     

• Live in any of the following states or tribal land in this region: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC

• Have been impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic

The criteria and application are simple as possible. Rest assured that you:      

• Do not have to own a farm, ranch or fishing business, as long as you work in agriculture or fishing      

• Do not have to prove specific loss amounts with receipts or other documentation      

• Do not have to share any information about your immigration status     

• Do not have to speak or read English (the application is available in Nepali | Bengali | Hatian/Creyol | French | Somali | Arabic | Cantonese | Mandarin | Vietnamese | Tagalog/Pilipino | Spanish | Kirundi/Kinyarwanda)      

• Do not have to apply online - we will be accepting applications over the phone. Please call Jen Himes 814.349.9856 x701 between 8am-5pm Eastern Monday - Friday if you want to submit your application over the phone. If you would like to apply over the phone in a language other than English, please contact Melanie Allen at melanie@blackfarmerfund.org to request phone interpretation.

Visit pasafarming.org/relief to apply. Applications are being accepted through August 10, 2020.Please contact Tracy Lerman from NESAWG at tracy@nesawg.org if you have questions.

Merrymeeting Gleaners - CommUNITY Champion!

The Merrymeeting Gleaners formed thanks to farmers and volunteers coming together to solve a problem - how to get surplus food in the fields harvested and in the hands of Mainers experiencing food insecurity. The food was beautiful, but it was more than the farmers had a market for or would require spending more in labor costs to harvest than made economic sense. Food insecurity can be a long term challenge or a short term challenge brought on by a crisis - a pandemic, job loss, medical emergency, strike - all things that are occurring in our communities right now.

Since starting in 2016 with Nate and Gabrielle’s beautiful Six River Farm in Bowdoinham and a handful of volunteers, the Merrymeeting Gleaners program of the Food Council has grown to include over 100 volunteers gleaning food year round in partnership with over 30 farms and farmers’ market vendors. In each of the past two years, over 50,000 lbs of fresh produce was shared through over 35 recipient sites in 14 towns. Kelly Davis, our Coordinator for the Merrymeeting Gleaners has done an incredible job building this program and building stronger and healthier communities through her leadership.

If you are one of the farms that donates produce, one of our recipient partners, or one of our volunteers - THANK YOU for all you are doing to help Mainers have access to healthy produce!

If you have been wondering what gleaning looks like and considering volunteering, here is a spotlight from Channel 8’s CommUNITY Champion program highlighting MFC’s Merrymeeting Gleaners program.

For more details, pictures, or to sign up to glean, see this page for more information.

Here’s to keeping our communities healthy through good eating and helping one another!

Farm Jobs - July 2020

Fairwinds Farm (Bowdoinham/Topsham)

WE ARE HIRING BERRY PICKERS!!

Fairwinds Farm is hiring berry pickers! We start with strawberries in Mid-Late June, then move on to picking raspberries and blueberries!

You must be at least 14 years old; have reliable transportation to and from our fields in Bowdoinham; and be able to work hard and stay focused while on the job.

Please contact Cathy via email: fairwindsfarm08@gmail.com. It's a great way to earn some money and enjoy the outdoors!

June 5 post: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2142537675796005&id=102732499776543

Two Coves Farm (Harpswell)

To our wonderful community: we are seeking part time help! We are offering up our yurt as on farm housing; meat, eggs, and produce from the farm; and a small stipend in return for 20-25 hours a week. We have had two folks so far and each has not quite worked out.. now it’s mid season and we really need the help!! Lots to offer here, can you think of someone who may be interested? Please pass along, message us for more info or if you have questions. The second picture is the view from the yurt porch... not so bad. @ Two Coves Farm

See June 21 post: https://www.facebook.com/twocovesfarm/posts/10158406760184882

Goranson Farm (Dresden)

A bountiful strawberry season and irrigation projects have put us in a labor bind. We are looking to hire two individuals to help us through the end of the season. If you know of anyone looking for farmwork please put them in touch with us. 

If seriously interested please send a cover letter, Resume, and two work references to goransonfarm@gmail.com. 

We Offer:

A culturally diverse team oriented work environment, a competitive wage, rustic housing on the banks of the Eastern River, potential for full time winter work and farmers market help.

To learn more about the positions and our farm please https://goransonfarm.me/job-openings/

Requirements:

- Minimum of one season farming experience on a diversified vegetable farm

- Commitment to work until Thanksgiving 

- Ability to work 5 days a week from 7:30am-4:30pm

- Positive attitude, attention to detail, and love of working outdoors in all conditions

- Ability to repeatedly pick up 40lbs

Thanks so much, 

The Goranson Family

Gulf of Maine Sashimi

Join our team! We’re hiring fish cutters and facility personnel. Not just a job, but a chance to be a part of a new seafood paradigm. Make a difference while making your paycheck. Interested? Write to jobs@gulfofmainesashimi.com

See June 16 post: https://www.facebook.com/GulfofMaineSashimi/photos/a.104386897597333/306257827410238/

Join AgrAbility on July 8th for Roots of the Soil: Land Succession Issues among African American Farm Families

Roots of the Soil: Land Succession Issues among African American Farm Families

Wednesday, July 8

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

This webinar will focus on the unique challenges faced by African American farm families regarding the transfer of land from generation to generation.* Program speakers will discuss the importance of and the power inherent in land ownership by African American farmers.  They will provide historical perspectives highlighting the growth of African American farm ownership from Emancipation until the 1920s, as well as the subsequent land loss since that time and the reasons for the decline.

The presenters will provide personal perspectives concerning steps that landowner heirs can take to maintain property in their family, the importance of keeping land versus the short-term financial gains from selling, and how to make the land work for the family.

Topics include:

Historical review of African American farm ownership. Challenges faced by African American farm families in retaining land for future generations. Personal perspectives from a multi-generation farm family. Threats to African American farmland ownership. Importance of keeping land over money. Strategies and steps for landowners to protect their legacy

Our presenters:.

John Jamerson is founder and project manager of Legacy Taste of the Garden LLC and Legacy Farming and Health Group. Legacy’s aim is to close the gap between local producers and the local community to help support the community’s economic vitality. They seek to help empower individuals and communities to become self-sustaining and economically sound through education, networking, and resources to promote a healthy, sustainable, empowered life.

Denise Jamerson is a 5th generation farmer who was born and raised in Lyles Station, IN, an African American farming community in southern Indiana. She is operations director for Legacy Taste of the Garden LLC and is co-founder of Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corp and Lyles Consolidated School Museum. Greer Farms is operated by her father Norman Greer, who is recognized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture as the last known African American farmer farming land that has been in his family since before the civil war.

Frank Taylor is a native of Winston County Mississippi and president of Winston County Self-Help Cooperative, Inc. This group of minority farmers and landowners works diligently to combat past problems and social ills of land loss, insufficient farm income, and lack of access to marketing opportunities. His lifework embodies the theme "Saving Rural America.” He works to connect individuals with their natural resources and foster healthy and sustainable communities through partnering and generating hope for the next generation of landowners and farmers. Taylor is a tree farmer in the unincorporated town of Greensboro, MS.

A question & answer period will follow the presentation.

To participate in this free webinar, click here to access the online registration form by Monday, July 6. Instructions for accessing the session will be sent to registrants by Tuesday, July 7. Please pass on this invitation to others you believe may be interested. Contact AgrAbility at 800-825-4264 or email agrability@agrability.org if you have questions.

*This is the first webinar in a series designed to explore farm succession planning with a special emphasis on the needs of socially disadvantaged farm families.  Future programs will explore USDA, Extension, and other resources that farm families can use to help develop a plan for successfully passing their farm business to future generations.

This webinar is sponsored by the Legacy Innovation Farming Economics (LIFE) Project, a partnership of Peoples Foundation, Legacy Farming and Health Group, and the National AgrAbility Project.  The LIFE Project is sponsored by the USDA Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program.  The Purdue Institute for Family Business is partnering with the LIFE project on this educational project.

The National AgrAbility Project is supported by USDA/NIFA Special Project 2016-41590-25880. This webinar also supported by USDA award number A0192501X443G013.

Unsubscribe from the AgrAbility Webinar Series

Co-hosted by Maine AgrAbility. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/268192794484746/

Over $245,000 Awarded to Three Maine Farm to School Projects

2020 Farm to School Grant Awardees - MAINE

“Since 2013, the USDA Farm to School Grant Program has offered annual grants to schools, school districts, nonprofits, state agencies, agricultural producers, and Indian Tribal Organizations to plan, implement, or provide training on farm to school activities. FNS is committed to working with schools and agricultural partners to ensure healthy habits take root in early childhood.” (USDA, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/2020-farm-school-grant-awardees)

Cumberland County Food Security Council - $100,000

The project is based on Cumberland County Food Security Council’s unprecedented school food system assessment, which provided the proposal clear guidance and a solid foundation to support lifelong increased consumption of good local food by Portland, Maine students. The “Local Food Fuels Learning” Farm to School project will increase local procurement in Portland Public Schools by five percent. It will increase participation in school food by the 3,777 students eligible for free and reduced price meals by five percent. The project creates labor efficiencies and adds processing equipment to Central Kitchen to facilitate more local food processing. It involves students in agriculture education, “Good Food Clubs”, menu development, and taste tests. It creates a school food brand that appeals to students, parents and staff.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $97,391

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) will increase the amount of local seafood served in schools around New England, thus increasing access to healthy, local protein for students and 21 | Page increasing demand for fish caught by New England fishermen. GMRI will secure pledges from school districts around New England to create a community of schools committed to increasing the amount of seafood they serve. GMRI will also facilitate connections and communication between local seafood processors and school foodservice operators to improve local seafood procurement. Finally, GMRI will provide resources for schools to ensure uptake of local seafood, and will pilot education and engagement strategies to increase seafood consumption.

Maine School Administrative District 30 - $48,415

Maine School Administrative District 30 (MSAD 30) will serve as the lead applicant of a joint Farm to School planning grant for three districts in rural Penobscot County, Maine. MSAD 30, East Millinocket Public Schools, and the Millinocket School Department will use funds to increase local fruit and vegetable procurement and agricultural education for their 972 K-12 students by developing a Farm to School Action Plan.