Farm Grants in Maine
Federal USDA programs available to Maine farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
Key agricultural sectors in Maine: potatoes, dairy, eggs, blueberries, aquaculture
Open or Coming Up for Maine Farmers
Specialty Crop Block Grants
USDA AMS · $250,000 – $700,000 (state departments distribute to projects)
Grants to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, nursery, horticulture). Applied through state departments of agriculture.
SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant
USDA NIFA / SARE · Up to $15,000 to $50,000, depending on region
Small grants for farmers to explore sustainable agriculture practices through on-farm research and education projects.
Agriculture Risk Coverage / Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC)
USDA FSA · Varies by crop and market conditions
Annual safety net programs for commodity crop producers. ARC protects against revenue loss; PLC protects against price drops.
Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)
USDA FSA · Payments when margin falls below selected coverage level
Safety net program that pays dairy producers when the difference between milk price and feed costs falls below selected coverage level.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
USDA FSA · Up to 75% of certification costs, max $750 per scope
Reimburses organic certification costs for certified organic operations. Up to $750 per scope of certification.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP)
USDA FSA · Varies by loss type
Financial assistance for losses due to disease, adverse weather, or feed shortages not covered by other disaster programs.
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
USDA FSA · Up to 60% of monthly feed cost
Payments for grazing losses due to drought or fire on federally managed land.
FSA Microloans
USDA FSA · Up to $50,000
Small loans with simplified application for small and beginning farmers. Can be used for operating expenses, equipment, or land.
FSA Direct Farm Ownership Loans
USDA FSA · Up to $600,000
Low-interest loans to purchase farmland, construct buildings, or improve farms. Special terms for beginning farmers.
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Next Dates Not Announced Yet
These programs run again, but the next sign-up date for Maine hasn't been announced. Many USDA programs post new dates between October and January.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026
Organic Transition Initiative - EQIP Organic
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - General Signup
USDA FSA · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: April 17, 2026
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Continuous Signup
USDA FSA · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: May 1, 2026
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
USDA Rural Development · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: April 22, 2026
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)
USDA NIFA · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: June 16, 2026
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: July 27, 2026
Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP)
USDA AMS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: June 5, 2026
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
USDA FSA · Next window not announced yet
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: August 24, 2026
Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
USDA NRCS · Next window not announced yet
Closed or Paused Programs
These programs are currently closed or paused but may reopen in future funding cycles.
Maine Agricultural Resources
NRCS Maine
Conservation programs, technical assistance, and EQIP information for Maine.
FSA Maine
Farm loans, disaster assistance, and commodity programs for Maine farmers.
Find Your Local USDA Office
Locate your nearest NRCS or FSA service center in Maine.
Full Grant Calendar
View all farm grant deadlines with state filtering and program details.
Guides & Resources
Grants to Start a Farm
What startup money actually exists, and what doesn't.
Grants to Buy Farmland?
The honest answer, and the USDA loans that work instead.
Beginning Farmer Guide
Every USDA program with beginning-farmer advantages.
Grants for Small Farms
Programs that work for small acreage and new operations.
EQIP Application Guide
Step-by-step instructions for applying to USDA's largest conservation program.
Grants vs Loans
What farmers actually need to know about USDA funding types.
Verify all deadlines with your local USDA service center. Dates may vary by state and are subject to change.