This bill amends eligibility criteria for the Maine Farms for the Future Program to ensure that farmers who lease rather than own land and those who farm on land that is already protected by an agricultural conservation agreement are able to receive grants in the program. The bill also allows the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to grant exceptions to eligibility criteria to allow for more flexibility for business plan development and investment support for farms. Lastly, the bill increases the maximum allowable amounts for grants and agricultural marketing loans awarded through the program.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1925, HP 1286: 7.318, 7.319, 7.435