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Send Holiday Cheer, Not Pests: Follow Out-Of-State Plant Health Regulations
November 19, 2024 - AUGUSTA - Maine residents cherish their holiday traditions, and for many, decorating with Maine-grown wreaths, trees, and decorative flora is a cherished part of the season. Another annual holiday tradition is shipping Maine's festive greenery to friends and family. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) emphasizes the importance of adhering to state laws and regulations to ensure the seamless transport of healthy plant materials, ultimately saving time, cutting costs, and preventing product loss. Continue Reading
Hunting with Heart: Maine Hunters Deliver Thousands of Meals through Game Meat Donations
October 28, 2024 - Augusta - As Maine's Expanded Archery hunting season continues, and with key dates like Maine Resident Only Day on November 2 and the Firearm Season starting November 4, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Hunters for the Hungry program is making efforts to tackle food insecurity with the help of generous hunters across the state. This unique program transforms game meat donations into thousands of nutritious meals for Maines most vulnerable populations. Continue Reading
Maine Celebrates Forest Products Week: Honoring the Contributions and Innovation of Maine's Forest Industry
October 22, 2024 - AUGUSTA - In honor of Maine Forest Products Week, celebrated from October 20 to 26, 2024, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), in collaboration with the Professional Logging Contractors Northeast and the Maine Forest Products Council, have come together to celebrate and express profound appreciation for the enduring contributions of Maine's forest sector businesses and their dedicated workforce. Continue Reading
Maine Geological Survey Updates Maine Beach Mapping Viewer with 2024 Data
October 16, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Geological Survey (MGS) has updated its Maine Beach Mapping (MBMAP) viewer with the latest data collected during the summer of 2024. The MBMAP program, initiated by MGS in 2005, monitors changes in Maine's dunes and beaches over time, with a focus on the seaward edge of dominant dune vegetation. Continue Reading
PFAS Fund Advisory Committee Seeks Public Input on Next Steps
October 15, 2024 - Augusta, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund Advisory Committee is actively seeking public feedback on the next phase of the PFAS Fund's implementation. A public meeting will be held on October 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Deering 101, 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, and virtually via Zoom. Continue Reading
DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal Joins White House Event on Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Rural America
October 8, 2024 - AUGUSTA - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal will participate in a high-level White House event today, focusing on the future of agriculture and the critical role of rural America. Hosted by senior White House officials and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the "Farmers and Ranchers In Action" event will highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's historic investments in family farms, rural communities, and the broader food system. Continue Reading
Maine State Forester Patty Cormier Elected President of the National Association of State Foresters
September 27, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) proudly announces that Patty Cormier, Maine State Forester, has been elected President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Cormier's election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Maine State Forester to hold this prestigious position since Austin Wilkins 59 years ago. Cormier will serve a one-year term as NASF President, continuing her long-standing commitment to sustainable forestry and forest management. Continue Reading
DACF Issues Product Recall for Rainbow Farm Eggs Amid Salmonella Outbreak
September 19, 2024 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has issued an official product recall for eggs from Rainbow Farm in Orland, Maine, following a salmonellosis outbreak. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified the consumption of these eggs as the source of the outbreak. Continue Reading
Critical Information about Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Schools Advised to Take Action to Mitigate Risk
September 18, 2024 - To IPM Coordinators: We are writing today in partnership with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), to bring to your attention that Maine is currently experiencing significantly elevated risks of mosquito-borne illness. We are strongly advising that precautions be taken to mitigate that risk. Continue Reading
Maine DACF Offers $3 Million in Grants to Study PFAS Solutions for Farmers
September 16, 2024 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) has opened applications for $3 million in research grants to address the impact of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on agriculture. The funding is part of the states ongoing effort to help farmers manage the challenges posed by PFAS contamination and to identify strategies to maintain viable agricultural operations. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Announces New Land for Maine's Future Conservation Projects
September 16, 2024 - Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for 12 new Land for Maine's Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, preserving thousands of acres of farmland, undeveloped land, and vital working waterfront access for generations to come. Continue Reading
Maine DACF Announces Grant Opportunity for Food System Infrastructure Equipment: Up to $2.5 Million Available to Boost Local Food Supply Chain Resilience
September 13, 2024 - AUGUSTA- The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is seeking applications for funding through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Equipment-Only Program (RFSI). Continue Reading
Maine Local Food Spending Insights Revealed: Significant Growth Potential in Regional Food Consumption
September 10, 2024 - Continue Reading
Experience the Best of Maine: DACF Showcases Over 30 Maine Brands and Artists at The Big E 2024
September 9, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal and Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine announced today that the department is supporting more than 30 Maine brands and businesses, along with four featured artists, through exhibits at the Maine Building at the 2024 Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Continue Reading
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Identified in a Maine Horse
September 6, 2024 - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine DACF) announced today that a horse from Somerset County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE). This is the third domestic animal this year to test positive for the virus, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Continue Reading