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PHOTO: Farm Camp at Crystal Springs Community Farm in Brunswick, one of the recipients of an ADG grant. (Crystal Farms Facebook photo)
AUGUSTA – Brunswick, Sidney and Skowhegan farms and agricultural products producers are among six that will share $248,757 in Agriculture Development Grants. The grants support market research, promotion, and testing and demonstrating new technologies.
“This year’s ARD grant awardees are great examples of the innovative thinking and hard work being undertaken by producers that will ultimately strengthen our agricultural economy and provide continued access to high-quality Maine-grown and processed agricultural products,” said Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. “We are very pleased to support these projects and offer our congratulations to each of this year’s grant recipients.”
Recipients are:
Crystal Springs Community Farm, Brunswick, which is expanding access to diverse markets for more Maine farmers by providing refrigerated cold storage and adding value with custom retail product packaging. $32,770.
Maine Cheese Guild, Sidney, which is developing an industry assessment to Identify Improved opportunities for Maine cheesemakers. $30,000.
Maine Grains, Skowhegan, which is expanding to add baking mixes and easy-to-prepare local grains. $50,0000.
Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Walpole, Enhancing MAIC’s business program for aquaculture businesses by providing them with market research services tailored to their specific needs and goals for expansion. $36,000.
Maine Farmland Trust, in Belfast, which is helping farmers access new markets and build resilience for market fluctuations. $49,987.
Thirty Acre Farm, in Waldoboro, which is building robot-assisted filling and capping operations. $50,000.
