Conference Schedule

The Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets Annual Meeting is an opportunity to learn about MFFM's impact over the last year and learn what we have planned for the year ahead.

Judges will evaluate Maine Maple Producer Association Meeting maple syrup contest.

A day of information and community building for Maine woodland owners and forest stewards.

An opportunity to learn about growing Christmas Trees, and interact with fellow growers.

1 Pesticides Credit for attending at 10:00 - 11:30 for Rules & Regulations with Karla Boyd, Policy & Regulations Specialist, BPC.

Fruit and vegetable grower certificate course on farm food safety.

Annual meeting for tree fruit growers with Society updates, Highmoor Farm research and IPM.

2 credits for attending all three:

• 9:30-10:00 2024 Apple Pest Review & Outlook for 2025-Glen Koehler, Assoc. Scientist IPM, UMaine Ext
• 10:15-11:15 Managing Weeds in Perennial CropsMaria Gannet, Production Ag Educator, UMass Ext.
• 11:15-11:45 Board of Pesticides Control UpdateBPC staff

The meeting is for partner farms and sponsors participating in the LFPA program.

Until recently, Forest Carbon has not been feasible for small landowners. Come find out what has changed, how carbon markets work, and if it can benefit you and your woodlot.

Showcasing farmers and woodland owners incorporating agroforestry into their operations, as well as new research underway in Maine and the region to evaluate various agroforestry techniques for broader adoption.

Supported by USDA REAP TAG funding, Pecos Wind Power offers free technical assistance to Maine farms and small businesses to help them plan wind generation projects and complete REAP proposals to help fund those projects.

Now is the time to assess 2024 to identify what went well and what went not so well. This session will provide tools for that assessment and begin to answer the question of What Should I Change in 2025?

Staff from the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program (PFML) will provide a general overview about the new law followed by an opportunity to hear from the public with a question and answer session.

This session will give insight on programs purpose, eligible foods, requirements, and process. Apply to become a Maine WIC farmer.

This session will provide technical training in how to create an account and post tourism business and event listings on VisitMaine.com, the state's official tourism website.

VisitMaine.com received over 3.6 million views last year. In 2025, the website will have a new look and enhanced functionality that includes an updated database with a more user-friendly process for creating and updating your tourism business and event listings. Join the Maine Office of Tourism for a step-by-step guide to creating and updating your tourism listings and making the most of the marketing opportunities on VisitMaine.com.

Join extension, technical assistance providers, and your peers for a round table discussion on vegetable production. Bring any insect, disease or weed management questions, or just talk about your crop production last year and plans for this year. Coffee will be provided!

1 Pesticide Credit

Join Maine Policy Work Group members to learn about and help shape policy priorities for the 132nd Legislature that are needed to build an equitable and resilient food system.

Megan Hennessey, Director, PFAS Response Program, DACF

1 Pesticide CEU

Cameron Douglass, USDA

1 pesticide credit.

Cameron Douglass, USDA

1 Pesticide CEU

Board meeting

The Small Business Administration is a resource for your farm! Come learn how you can find the tools for success.

The Small Business Administration is a resource for your farm! Come learn how you can find the tools for success.

Watch Live on YouTube

Are you a Maine farmer or food producer looking to sell to new buyers? Are you a buyer interested in sourcing more Maine food? Attend this matchmaking event to connect with new local food buyers and sellers. Farmers, schools, colleges, hospitals, prisons, and other wholesale and institutional partners welcome!

What would be helpful to your grazing and grass-based farming needs? What types of training and events are helpful to your farm throughout the year? How do you connect with other farmers to share ideas and get support? Please join the New England Grazing Network (NEGN) to add input for 2025. Anyone with an interest in grazing and grass-based livestock farming is welcome!

MVSFG Winter Meeting, morning sessions- multiple speakers

1 pesticide CEU

Caleb Goossen, MOFGA Crop Specialist; Jason Lilley, UMaine Ext, and others

Judges will evaluate Maine Maple Producer Association Meeting maple syrup contest.

The Maine Nutrition Council works to contribute to the health and well-being of Maine citizens through education, research and advocacy.

A presentation by John Snell, Snell Farm

Come learn how partners engaged in the USDA's Regional Food System Partnership are addressing farm waste by purchasing off grade produce, utilizing local processors, and are creating quality value added products for institutional sales.

This session will give insight on programs purpose, eligible foods, requirements, and process. Apply to become a Maine WIC farmer.

A workshop for farmers interested in commercial raspberry production; we will cover site preparation, varieties, production methods and pest management.

2 Pesticide Credits for completing the entire training.

We will be discussing financing options for meat and poultry processors, including grants, loans, equity capital, and other innovative ways to fund your business.

Learn about the Maine Cheese Guild at the annual meeting and networking.

Meeting of Maine's dairy farmers to get updates and discuss current market conditions, hosted by MDIA

Content will include a heavy focus on financial analysis and assessment but will also cover components such as cash flow, record keeping, debt management, tax planning, risk mitigation, and succession planning. We will also dive into some of the benefits of achieving farm financial readiness.

Meet with other Maine Technical Service Providers to discuss soil health farmer support services. Possible discussion topics include farmer outreach and engagement, best management practice implementation, and soil test result implementation. This session will aim to identify soil health-related resources (for both technical service providers and farmers) and compile a living roster of Maine-specific resources.

Fairwinds Farm by Charlie Rackley

Members and sheep enthusiasts are welcome! MSBA is an educational, non-profit organization in Maine. Rachel White will be talking about meningeal worms in sheep production. Lucia Brown Farm Service Agency will be talking about what they have to offer.

Matt Boucher, PhD, State Soil Scientist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry

Nick Rowley, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

This session will provide technical training in how to create an account and post tourism business and event listings on VisitMaine.com, the state's official tourism website.

VisitMaine.com received over 3.6 million views last year. In 2025, the website will have a new look and enhanced functionality that includes an updated database with a more user-friendly process for creating and updating your tourism business and event listings. Join the Maine Office of Tourism for a step-by-step guide to creating and updating your tourism listings and making the most of the marketing opportunities on VisitMaine.com.

This meeting will be an opportunity to hear the latest status update from the PFAS Fund and to offer suggestions for management of the Fund.

A session covering the breadth of farm-based risk management, ranging from mental/emotional health to climate change.

Mix and mingle with your fellow experts in farmers' markets. Join pre-set roundtables on topics like food access at your market, Info Booths, advertising your market, accessibility at farmers' markets, creative events and programs at market, and more TBD, or set up your own topic.

Join body mechanics and farm work expert Cynthia Flores for a session on how to move safely and efficiently while loading for, setting up, and working farmers' markets. Prevent workplace injury, reduce wear and tear on your body, increase physical efficiency, and set yourself up for a longer, less painful career in market farming and vending. This will be an interactive demonstration--wear clothes you can move in!

For more information

Hear directly from Maine farmers who have successfully leveraged multiple USDA programs to make their farms more sustainable. Learn how you can use available programs and partnerships!

Karla Boyd, Policy & Regulations Specialist, BPC

1 Pesticide CEU

Hillary Peterson, IPM Specialist, DACF

1 Pesticide CEU

This session will help farmers navigate Maine's health insurance marketplace with the goal of increasing the number of Maine farmers with health insurance coverage. This session will increase awareness of the availability of premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions that farmers may be eligible for depending on adjusted gross income, significantly decreasing farmers' health insurance costs.

Watch Live on YouTube

The Maine Farmcast features weekly conversations with experts from across the country sharing insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size. Hosted by three livestock specialists from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the show brings you world-class expertise paired with practical advice about how to apply cutting-edge research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your farming operation.

Presented by Jason Lily, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Come provide feedback to the Maine Department of Labor on how best to provide guidance to small employers on their labor law obligations.

Watch Live on YouTube

Discuss work to provide Maine institutions with the highest possible percentage of healthy, local foods with a focus on a quadruple bottom line model: Social, Environmental, Economics, Diet & Health.

Learn about the process of partnering with Daybreak Growers Alliance, how to crop plan ahead for a fruitful and cooperative season.

Updates from MOFGA Certification Services on any changes to rules or processes. Updates from Maine Dairy Industry Association.

Harris, Seedway and High mowing

The Small Business Administration is a resource for your farm! Come learn how you can find the tools for success during this "SBA 101" session.

Jaime Garzon, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor and Dairy Forage Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Bruce Hoskins, Soil Scientist and Director, University of Maine Soil Testing and Analytical Laboratory.

Come learn about the Switchboard, connect with members, and provide your insights to develop an effective program.

Julia Vacchiano, Registrar & Water Quality Specialist, BPC

1 Pesticide CEU

FocusMaine aims to propel the state into the national spotlight as a top supplier of high-quality food products, serving both local and out-of-state markets by harnessing Maine's natural advantages and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bring your questions and learn how you can help Maine's food and farm economy!

Read the Report: Cultivating Prosperity: A Strategic Plan for Growing Maines Food Economy (PDF)

Lily Calderwood, Extension Wild Blueberry Specialist, Assoc. Prof of Horticulture, UMaine Ext

1 Pesticide CEU

Seanna Annis, Director of SBE/Professor of Mycology; & Phillip Fanning, Asst. Professor of Agricultural Entomology

1 Pesticide CEU

Join us for a three-day series of mini-interviews with a variety of Maine food and beverage producers, hosted by Maine Food and Beverage Education Center. Hear firsthand how these producers leverage agritourism, education, and innovative marketing to grow their businesses and connect with customers and discover the unique stories behind their products. Plus, learn about the collaborative opportunities MFBEC offers to support Maine's agricultural community. Each day will feature a different theme and fresh insights!

Join us for a three-day series of mini-interviews with a variety of Maine food and beverage producers, hosted by Maine Food and Beverage Education Center. Hear firsthand how these producers leverage agritourism, education, and innovative marketing to grow their businesses and connect with customers and discover the unique stories behind their products. Plus, learn about the collaborative opportunities MFBEC offers to support Maine's agricultural community. Each day will feature a different theme and fresh insights!

Join us for a three-day series of mini-interviews with a variety of Maine food and beverage producers, hosted by Maine Food and Beverage Education Center. Hear firsthand how these producers leverage agritourism, education, and innovative marketing to grow their businesses and connect with customers and discover the unique stories behind their products. Plus, learn about the collaborative opportunities MFBEC offers to support Maine's agricultural community. Each day will feature a different theme and fresh insights!

Watch Live on YouTube

FarmDrop connects people with local food through technology. The platform links online markets, producers, and partners. Learn about the FarmDrop Regional Playbook, collaborative order fulfillment, transportation logistics, and our 5-year roadmap with exciting tech developments.

MOFGA is leaving the space open for farmers to meet and have their own discussions on whatever topics they would like to connect on. Please feel free to use this as a meeting space!

Jason Lilley, Maine Sustainable Ag & Maple Industry Educator, UMaine Extension

1 Pesticide CEU

What would be helpful to your grazing and grass-based farming needs? What types of training and events are helpful to your farm throughout the year? How do you connect with other farmers to share ideas and get support? Please join the New England Grazing Network (NEGN) to add input for 2025. Anyone with an interest in grazing and grass-based livestock farming is welcome!

An overview of new and existing resources available to farmers.

John Pietroski, Manager of Pesticide Programs, BPC

1 Pesticide CEU

Discussing the value of Farm Safety and some basics on navigating workmen's compensation and OSHA.

Discussing the value of Farm Safety and some basics on navigating workmen's compensation and OSHA.

Kate Turcotte, Maine Field Agent for Land for Good will describe the seven key components of a farm succession plan ranging from management transfer to retirement planning to family communication. We will discuss strategies for identifying a successor for farms operating without an heir, strategies for success, and how to build a team of advisors that can turn your succession plan into a reality. The goal is to provide a broad overview of the process and to identify resources and next steps.

Value-Added means so much more than turning fruit into jams and jellies! Learn the five different ways an agricultural product would qualify as a value-added product, how the program works, and how to prepare a successful VAPG application.

Learn how to qualify for REAP grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

This session will give insight on programs purpose, eligible foods, requirements, and process. Apply to become a Maine WIC farmer.

MBPA's annual meeting includes the election of the Board of Directors and the annual Awards.

Produce Farm Food Safety Plan How-To and Help.

Hear from a panel of Maine food system changemakers as they share insight on the power of working together in driving positive change! USDA & Full Plates Full Potential School Food System Innovation grantees will highlight their work to strengthen school food systems and Maine's local food economy.

ESE Maine Trustees Annual Meeting

Produce Farm Food Safety Plan How-To and Help.

Over the last four years, we have identified two new diseases in tomatoes in Maine. This presentation will cover everything you need to know about them and what else is on the horizon.

1 Pesticide Credit

David Handley, Vegetable & Small Fruit Specialist, UMaine Extension

1 Pesticide CEU

DACF has recently concluded a process meant to develop recommendations for a farm apprenticeship pilot. Hear what the stakeholder group found and add your voice to what's needed for agricultural workforce development.

1 Pesticide CEU

1:30 to 2:00 - Open Forum for Growers, Applicators and the Public

Mark A. King, Organics Management Specialist, Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Kate Turcotte, Maine Field Agent for Land for Good will describe the seven key components of a farm succession plan ranging from management transfer to retirement planning to family communication. We will discuss strategies for identifying a successor for farms operating without an heir, strategies for success, and how to build a team of advisors that can turn your succession plan into a reality. The goal is to provide a broad overview of the process and to identify resources and next steps.

Value-Added means so much more than turning fruit into jams and jellies! Learn the five different ways an agricultural product would qualify as a value-added product, how the program works, and how to prepare a successful VAPG application.

Learn how to qualify for REAP grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Presented by David Handley & Mark Hutton of University of Maine Cooperative Extension

MVSFG Winter Meeting, afternoon sessions- multiple speakers

1 pesticide CEU

The Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program impact data will be shared and discussed.

Learn more about local schools and their connection to Maine agriculture!

Maine Cheese Guild has been a wealth of information for all things Maine cheese for more than 20 years! Come to this special presentation to learn about the delicious ways Maine's licensed creameries are crafting products across the state!

Do you know what will happen to your farm business when you're ready to pass it on? Come hear other farmers' personal successes and challenges in their farm succession journey, and consider the next steps you can take for your own process. This panel hosted by Maine Farmland Trust is a great addition to Land For Goods workshop or a standalone.

From basics to support and more. Learn how to become a certified organic producer or support others. Includes details about the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which offers valuable resources. Bring a friend, and come with questions!

Tony Jenkins, State Resource Conservationist, State Soil Scientist, and Julie McGivern, Resource Conservationist for Agronomy, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Presented by Brad Mitchell and Brian McCleery

Jaime Garzon, Dairy Forage Educator, UMaine Ext.

1 Pesticide CEU

Learn how Maine's longest standing energy company uses responsible practices to site solar on land in Maine.

Produce Farm Food Safety Plan How-To and Help.

Produce Safety Rule Agricultural Water Testing, Assessment, and System Inspection Workshop.

Presented by Brad Mitchell & others

Presented by Nate Nourse

The new Agriculture, Food & Forest Products Infrastructure Fund is poised to be DACF's flagship tool for providing financial and technical assistance to Maine producers. Share your thoughts with staff and policymakers about how this fund should be shaped to support your food, farm, or forestry business.

Produce Farm Food Safety Plan Workshop

Lindsay Werner, Consumer Protection Inspector, DACF

1 Pesticide Credit

Produce Farm Food Safety Plan Workshop

Lindsay Werner, Consumer Protection Inspector, DACF

1 Pesticide Credit

Get a high level overview of preparing to work with a retailer and the process to connect with Hannaford's local program team.

Hear from young people who will share their journeys in agriculture, including their involvement with family, friends and farmers - and their aspirations.

Watch Live on YouTube

John Pietroski, Manager of Pesticide Programs, BPC

1 Pesticide CEU

What are the opportunities and challenges for Maine farms and organic agriculture? Learn how the full report, which includes recent data, can be a tool to support farmers. Gain insight into size, economic impact, farmer goals, profitability, and other trends.

Why soil test? How do you test your soil? How many samples should you take? How do you read the results and make fertilizer decisions? Get answers and insight about soil fertility, testing, and what to do with nutrient recommendations.