Industrial Hemp Growing License Applications Available NOW from the Maine Dept of Agriculture.

Industrial Hemp Rules Adopted, License Applications Now Available

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry adopted rules that establish the requirements for becoming licensed to grow industrial hemp (Chapter 274: Rules for Growing Industrial Hemp (PDF)). The rules became effective on April 4, 2016 and outline the application and licensing process, the fees involved and the procedures for monitoring the growth of industrial hemp.

Please Note: The final rule includes an extension of the application deadline to July 1 for 2016 only.  The Department is currently accepting license applications (PDF).

Also Note:  The Department is in the process of moving and our offices will be closed April 15 and re-open at our new location in the Marquardt Building in Augusta on April 19.  Our mailing address will remain the same: 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Should you have questions, you may contact Gary Fish at 207-287-7545 or email gary.fish@maine.gov .

Industrial hemp license applications and the information below are available on the [www.maine.gov/dacf/php/hemp]Industrial Hemp Website

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Industrial Hemp Licensing Facts

What is the process for becoming licensed to grow industrial hemp in Maine?

1. Apply for a license
2. Departmental review and approval of application
3. Sign licensing agreement
4. Testing of crop prior to harvest

How do I apply for a license to grow industrial hemp?
Complete the license application and submit the $100.00 application fee.
Cover letter and application to grow industrial hemp (PDF)

Explanation of fees
Maine law requires that the Department cover the costs of operating the industrial hemp program by charging an application fee, license fee and a per acre fee.  These fees are as follows:

• $100 application fee – this fee must be submitted with the application.
• $500 license fee – this fee is due after approval of the application and must be submitted with the signed licensing agreement.
• $50/acre fee – this fee is due after approval of the application and must be submitted with the signed licensing agreement.

 Fees collected will cover Departmental costs including, but not limited to:

• Inspector travel costs including time to and from the growing area to take crop samples for THC content analysis;
• Costs of transporting crop samples to a lab for THC content analysis;
• Laboratory fees for testing crop samples;
• Costs of equipment and supplies used in sampling;
• Departmental time reviewing applications, preparing licensing agreements and issuing licenses;
• Other administrative costs. 

Please note that the fees charged will only cover THC testing for one composite sample taken to represent the entire licensed crop.  Licensees that wish to have individual growing areas or varieties tested separately will be responsible for paying any additional laboratory costs.

DEA permitting and obtaining seed
Availability of hemp seed is a major challenge to potential growers of industrial hemp.  While Maine law may allow for the planting of industrial hemp, federal law does not differentiate between industrial hemp and marijuana making industrial hemp subject to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA, 21 U.S.C. §801) and therefore hemp seed can only be legally imported by obtaining a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and import permit. 

Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, provided a mechanism for DEA to issue permits to state departments of agriculture and institutions of higher learning, provided the imported industrial hemp seed is for research purposes.  Maine’s industrial hemp law, as written, allows for planting of industrial hemp for any purpose, including both research and commercial purposes.  

At this time, The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry does not intend to apply for a DEA permit. Currently, the Department is not planning any research projects involving industrial hemp, nor do we have the capacity to do this research.  We are not aware of any institutions of higher learning in the state intending to conduct such research, and if they were planning hemp research they could apply for their own DEA permit.  Unfortunately, Section 7606 of the Farm Bill does not provide for the DEA to issue permits to individual farmers to import hemp seed or to the Department to import hemp seed to be distributed and grown for commercial purposes.

What is a Certified Seed Source?
Maine law requires that industrial hemp be planted using a certified seed source. The industrial hemp rule (Chapter 274) defines a certified seed source as one that is certified according to AOSCA (Association of Seed Certifying Agencies) or other approved standards and comes from plants that were tested during the active growing season and found to produce industrial hemp with 0.3% THC content or less.

The Department understands the very limited availability of industrial hemp seed and the certified seed source requirements are difficult or nearly impossible to meet.  While the Department is required to verify and collect documents which indicate the industrial hemp seed planted comes from a certified seed source, at least for 2016 we can be somewhat flexible on the form this certification may take.  Acceptable forms of certification could include a letter, form or other written verification or combination of these documents that at a minimum includes:

• Third party (someone other than the applicant and the grower of the seed) THC content testing results for the industrial hemp.  The third party should be identified on the testing results;
• THC content test results must be for the variety or varieties included on the application and preferably for the specific lot of seed to be planted;
• Results of THC content testing and the date tests were conducted;
• The name of the seed supplier and origin of the seed.

As industrial hemp seed certified by AOSCA, or other official seed certification programs becomes more available, the Department will review and revise our policies and issue stricter guidelines for acceptable documentation of seed certification.

Sampling and Testing
The licensee will allow the inspection and sampling of the industrial hemp crop at any and all times that the Department deems necessary.  The licensee will be notified prior to inspection and sampling.  During the inspection and sampling the licensee or authorized representative will allow complete and unrestricted access to all industrial hemp plants within the licensed growing area(s).

If the industrial hemp crop has not been inspected and sampled 15 days prior to the anticipated harvest date, the licensee will notify the Department of intent to harvest.

All industrial hemp plants from all varieties and licensed growing areas will be tested for THC content as one composite sample.  Licensees that request to have growing areas or varieties tested separately are responsible for paying laboratory analysis costs for any additional testing.

Crops testing above the allowable THC limit (0.3% THC on a dry weight basis) will be destroyed in a manner approved by the Department.  The licensee is responsible for paying all costs associated with crop destruction.

I have a medical marijuana license.  Can I grow hemp?
Yes, but industrial hemp and medical marijuana plants cannot be co-mingled. The rule states: No industrial hemp plants shall be included in other licensed marijuana production programs.  No growing area may contain Cannabis plants which the licensee knows or has reason to know are of a variety that will produce a plant that when tested will contain more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.   

What is a growing area?  
A "Growing Area" is defined as the land (the current rules only allow growth of industrial hemp "outdoors") on which a licensee cultivates or plans to cultivate industrial hemp.

A "Non-Contiguous Growing Area" is defined as a growing area on which a licensee grows or plans to grow industrial hemp that is separated from other growing areas by more than 50 miles.

Can I include multiple growing areas on one license?  
Growing areas that are within 50 miles of each other can be included on one license application.

When is a separate license required?
Growing areas that are "non-contiguous" must be included on a separate application. Each separate application requires submission of the full $100.00 application fee.

Maine Honey Production Reportedly Up 25 Percent

Maine Honey Production Reportedly Up 25 Percent

The number of licensed beekeepers has almost tripled in the last decade and registered hive counts have jumped from 5,000 to nearly 10,000

AUGUSTA – USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today reported that Maine honey production increased 25 percent in 2015. Maine state officials welcomed the news, while adding that the number of licensed beekeepers has almost tripled in the last decade and registered hive counts have jumped from 5,000 to more than 10,000. Despite a harsh winter in 2015, favorable weather conditions resulted in the increase in honey production.  

“The number of licensed beekeepers in Maine has almost tripled in the last decade and registered hive counts have jumped from 5,000 to nearly 10,000,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “That, coupled with the news that honey production was up 25 percent last year, is yet another sign that Maine agriculture continues to make progress toward the goal of becoming the breadbasket of New England.”

“Maine Maple Sunday is this weekend, but with the transition to a new season, it is also important to note that Maine produces another all natural sweetener, honey,” said Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “Maine has taken a number of steps to promote growth in natural resource products and support small entrepreneurs, including beekeepers. Regarding production of honey, we are also pursuing strategies to protect pollinators, who are also vitally important to fruit and vegetable production. Last year, the DACF unveiled a Pollinator Protection Plan designed to reduce risks to pollinators in the state.”  

According to the records of State Apiarist Tony Jadczak, 975 resident beekeepers registered 9,789 hives in 2015 and 76,058 hives entered the state for crop pollination down from 83,00 in 2014. The increase in hobby beekeepers have contributed to the number of licensed beekeepers and the increase in honey production.

Maine Honey Statistics reported by NASS:

Honey production in 2015 from Maine producers with five or more colonies totaled 470 thousand pounds, up 25 percent from 2014, according to Gary Keough, State Statistician of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New England Field Office. There were 10 thousand colonies producing honey in 2015, up 25 percent from 2014. Yield per colony averaged 47 pounds, unchanged from 2014. Honey prices increased during 2015 to 551 cents per pound, up 10 percent from 499 cents per pound in 2014. Producer honey stocks were 47 thousand pounds on December 15, 2015, up 15 percent from a year earlier.

NASS provides accurate, timely, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. The Honey Production report and all other NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov

Contact: Gary Keough: (603) 224-9639

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: www.maine.gov/dacf

WATCH FOR TICKS TO PREVENT LYME DISEASE

 

Watch for Ticks to Prevent Lyme Disease

Spring is here, so it’s time to think about the outdoors and proper protection against ticks. Maine had 1,171 cases of Lyme disease reported in 2015. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and we want to remind you the importance of daily tick checks and encourage the “tick watch” prevention strategy.

Ticks are primarily active in warmer months.  Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by a bite from an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis).  In Maine, Lyme disease is most common in adults 65 and over and children between the ages of 5 and 15, but anyone can get the disease.  Individuals who work or play outside are more likely to be exposed to ticks. The most common and visible symptom of Lyme disease is a red bulls-eye rash that grows and appears within 3-30 days of exposure.  Other symptoms may include fevers, and joint or muscle pain.

Lyme disease is treatable and most individuals recover completely with a proper drugs. However, the easiest way to avoid the disease is prevention, using “No Ticks 4 ME”:

1)      Use caution in tick infested areas
2)      Wear protective clothing
3)      Use an EPA approved repellant
4)      Perform daily tick checks after any outdoor activity

A tick must be attached for a minimum of 24 hours before the infection can be passed on, further stressing the need for prompt and proper tick removal. If you are bitten by a tick, or work in a known tick habitat, watch for symptoms for up to 30 days, and call a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Deer ticks can transmit not only Lyme disease, but also two other tick-borne infections that are present in Maine: anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Babesiosis cases increased in 2015 and cases of Anaplasmosis remained steady.  The majority of tick-borne illnesses occur during the summer months when ticks and humans are active outdoors.

Remember that the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the only tick that can transmit Lyme disease, but there are other species of ticks throughout the state. Tick identification references are available to order online at Maine CDC’s website. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick ID Lab offers free identification services and educational resources.

Additional information:

• Maine CDC has Lyme disease information available on our website at http://www.maine.gov/lyme   
• Lyme disease data is available through the Maine Tracking Network at http://www.maine.gov/lyme under Epidemiology Information on the left hand side of the page.
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick ID Lab submission instructions can be found at http://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/tickid/
• To continue getting Lyme updates throughout May please like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MaineCDC

STUDENTS interested in Agriculture and Forestry Programs, Scholarship Money Available!!!

Rural Rehabilitation Scholarship grants available

Since 2012, the Department has awarded $39,000 in scholarships to students pursuing secondary education in an agriculture or natural resource related field

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is reminding students pursuing secondary education in agriculture or a natural resource related field that scholarship grants are available through the DACF’s Rural Rehabilitation Fund. The deadline for applications this year is March 1, 2016.

Scholarship Details:

• The applicant must reside in the State of Maine;
• The applicant must be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, by a University or College offering an agricultural degree;
• An applicant must demonstrate that an unmet financial need exists that must be overcome to pursue a higher education; and
• The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course load leading to a two-year, four-year or an advanced degree in agriculture or natural resources.

Since 2012, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry has awarded $39,000 in scholarships to students pursuing secondary education in an agriculture or natural resource related field. These funds are available thanks to interest paid as part of a Rural Rehabilitation Loan Program.

This year’s deadline for applications is March 1, 2016. Applications must be sent to Melissa Jordan: 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 on or before deadline date. 

Application can be found online at: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/grants/Rural%20Rehab%20Scholarship%20Application%20FILLABLE.pdf

Governor LePage is Critical of Speaker Marke Eves' Comments Opposing Maine Business Tax Credit

 

February 11, 2016

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released the following statement after Speaker of the House Mark Eves’ opposed proposed legislation, when he specifically targeting the Maine Capital Investment Credit, to conform Maine’s tax code to the federal Internal Revenue Code.
“Speaker Eves has demonstrated once again he has absolutely no understanding of how business and simple economics work,” said Governor LePage. “Eves’ position is like flying on an airliner that gets you only 95 percent of the way home.”
“Eves is demonizing the private sector entrepreneurs who invest in our communities, create good-paying jobs, sign the paychecks of hardworking Mainers and generate the tax revenues we all benefit from. It’s a slap in the face to struggling mom-and-pop small businesses, as well as the companies that provide substantial investment and significant economic benefit to our state.”
In January, the LePage Administration compiled supportive statements made by Maine’s business trade associations at the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation’s public hearing on January 25, 2016. Cumulatively, these organizations represent thousands of Maine businesses.
Hope Perkins, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Richmond
“By lowering the cost of capital for equipment and technology intensive businesses, this legislation could serve as a catalyst for new and expanding investment in Maine. As Maine continues to recover from recent economic downturns, we believe it’s imperative the state engage public policy measures that make it easier to attract investment opportunity.”
Brian Parke, Maine Motor Transport Association – Augusta
“The biggest reason for our support is the provision in the tax extenders legislation that includes bonus depreciation to the year 2019. This provides a measure of certainty for our member carriers who can now confidently make capital asset purchases without wondering how depreciation rules might change from year-to-year.”
Linda Caprara, Maine State Chamber – Augusta
“Growing Maine's economy should be our number one priority. Encouraging businesses to invest on a continual basis in an effort to grow and expand and to create jobs is something I'm sure we can all agree is important. Extending and making permanent these tax provisions allows businesses to plan for the future and do just that.”
David Clough, NFIB – Portland
“There are two kinds of investments business owners make: One is to keep people in jobs by modernizing equipment. The other is to create jobs by buying equipment that is necessary to expand. Both are extremely important to the health of State of Maine’s economy.”
Ben Sanborn, Telecommunications Association of Maine – Augusta
“This benefit only accrues after investments have actually been made in the State. This is not an issue of giving support and hoping that it is used to benefit Maine, this is an issue of rewarding actual investment in the State and freeing up resources that can then be reinvested in the State.”
Peter Chandler, Maine Society of CPA’s – Portland
“Our clients are vitally interested in knowing whether they are going to receive favorable depreciation treatment and they make their decisions accordingly.”
Don Flannery, Maine Potato Board – Presque Isle
“Agriculture, no matter what it is in the State of Maine, is a small business. What we need to do - primarily to help those businesses – is support them. Passing this bill is a great step toward that. Growers that are investing – whether it be a potato farm, dairy farm, raising whatever it may be in the state – if they are going to make capital investments, they need to know what they can do and how that - going forward - will work.”

$250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants Announced by Commissioner Walt Whitcomb

 

AUGUSTA CIVIC CENTER – Commissioner Walt Whitcomb announced eight (8) Agricultural Development Grant Program awards totaling nearly $250,000 at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show today. The projects address needs in the agricultural industry for development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities.

“Maine has the most farms and the greatest diversity of food production in New England,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The potential to produce and sell Maine products is even greater when you consider Maine’s reputation for quality and the growing interest in locally grown foods. The investments being announced today strengthen Maine agriculture and will help farmers and producers realize their full economic potential.” 

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted the efforts of the review committee and its careful selection of projects from dozens of competitive applications.

“Selected proposals incorporated one or more of four priorities: development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities,” said Whitcomb. “We congratulate the grantees and look forward to successful implementation of their projects.”

The preliminary selections were chosen by a review committee from 30 qualified proposals submitted in response to a formal Request For Proposals (RFP). Out of the total thirty (30) qualified proposals received and reviewed by a committee in a competitive review process, eight (8) projects have been tentatively identified pending approval by the State of Maine Purchases Division and the successful completion of a State of Maine contract. These projects have been identified as:

• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (Wiscasset) - Ethnic Produce: Crop Diversification for Maine Farmers to Reach New Markets
• Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine (Orono) - 2016 Wild Blueberry Metro Marketing Program
• Lakeside Family Farm (Newport) - Farm-to-Workplace: Bringing More Maine Food to Maine People
• Bartlettyarns, Inc. (Harmony) - Commercial Wool Baler
• Apple Ridge Farms, Inc. (Appleton) - New Technology Vinegar Acetator
• Aroostook Hops, LLC (Westfield) - Creating a hop pelletizing facility to produce Maine-grown and pelletized hops
• Appleton Creamery (Appleton) - Appleton Cheese Trail
• LaJoie Growers, LLC (Van Buren) - Diversifying Farm Products with Cold Storage Capacity

Agricultural Development Grant Program

In 2014, the Legislature approved Department language that improved access to the Agricultural Development Fund. The Department identified the agricultural industry need for accelerating new market development, adoption of improved technology and promotion of agricultural products produced in Maine.  

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may allocate the grant funds among projects involving market research, market promotion, or a combination of those activities for the purpose of expanding existing markets and developing new markets for agricultural products produced in Maine; or for testing and demonstrating new technologies related to the production, storage or processing of State agricultural products.

It is anticipated that another Agricultural Development Fund RFP will be released in the future.

The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show starts tomorrow!

Admission to the 3-day event is free and open to the public

AUGUSTA—The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Tuesday, January 12, through Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Augusta Civic Center. Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved through demonstrations, presentations and meetings of nearly 40 major agricultural organizations.

There will be over 120 exhibits featuring the newest in agricultural products, equipment and services. One of the state’s largest agricultural exhibitions, the event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people over the course of three days. Admission is free and open to the public.

Governor Paul R. LePage will be on hand Tuesday for the Trades Show opening day, to highlight the economic importance of agriculture to Maine. The Governor will also join Commissioner Walt Whitcomb in publicly recognizing this year’s recipient of the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award.

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is an opportunity to highlight Maine’s enormous potential to produce and sell even more Maine products and produce jobs,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine has the greatest diversity of food production in New England and the most farms. Maine’s reputation for quality and unique way of life matches the growing interest in locally grown foods that our family farms produce.” 

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is as much a showcase for new Maine agricultural opportunities as it is multiple workshops that address the challenges faced by Maine farmers,” said DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “New features are on display reflecting Maine’s ever growing agricultural activity. Farmer/veteran training and multiple marketing seminars will explore access to local, regional, wholesale, foreign and other farm product connections.”

Topics of Interest to the Press:

• Commissioner’s Luncheon - Governor Paul R. LePage will join Commissioner Whitcomb to present the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award. The luncheon will also feature a special guest speaker of national prominence
• Maine Agriculture In The Classroom (MAITC) Teachers of the Year announcement
• $250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants will be Announced
• Beginning Farmer Resource Network workshops for new Maine farmers
• Farmer Veteran Coalition Press Conference  - Maine’s newly chartered Chapter of the national organization will announce a planned expansion of the their efforts to provide farming skills for returning veterans
• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) presentations and discussions on marketing and growing practices 
• Get Real Get Maine Products Showcase – An indoor farmers market
• Department Overview of Farmers Market Tips and Regulations

Something for Everyone:

This year’s show features several new offerings for attendees in addition to a wide variety of presentations covering diverse topics of interest. New 2016 program highlights also include:

• Market access seminars for Maine food interests entering the world export markets
• Instructions for growing beef production and processing
• A farmers market in the Augusta Civic Center for vendors to show their wares to food buyers
• Dozens of other meetings to advance the output of Maine farms and the return to Maine farmers
• Somerset Auction House Co. Farm Auction to benefit the Maine FFA Association

The show also provides opportunities for growers, conventional and organic, to learn the latest developments in pest management and earn credits required for pesticide license recertification. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control will also be on hand to discuss basic safety training.

This three-day event has something for everyone, the farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator or supplier. Attendees can walk through, observe and learn about how food is harvested and processed. Farmers and producers can see the most up-to-date farm equipment and processing methods and equipment.

Trades Show Floor Hours:

• Tuesday, January 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The complete program and schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

Workshops for Maine’s Beginning Farmers to be held January 13-14 at Ag Trades Show

Are you a new farmer? Are you transitioning to a new agricultural endeavor or planning for farm succession? Do you need help navigating the process of setting up your business or finding out who can help your new farming business succeed? The Beginning Farmer Resource Network (BFRN) of Maine can help!

BFRN – a coalition of Maine agriculture agencies and organizations – will be conducting workshops on various topics for new farmers during the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's 2016 Agricultural Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center on Jan. 12-14, 2016.

Included in the line-up are presentations on: “Financing Your Farm Business”; “Planning for Farm Succession”; “Farmer Veteran Networking”; “Holistic Management; Beyond the Field Edge”; “Farm Safety”; “Cover Crops and Soil Health”; and many more.

The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13 in the Hancock and Lincoln/Oxford rooms, and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 in the Hancock, Lincoln/Oxford, and Sagadohoc rooms. The Farmer Veteran Coalition of Maine will have programs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 in the Somerset Room. In addition, the BFRN networking room, located in the Knox Room, will be open all day Tuesday through Thursday to give farmers an opportunity to have an informal talk with a BFRN representative. The complete schedule, topics, and locations for these workshops can be found in the Agricultural Trades Show program brochure at the BFRN website at http://umaine.edu/beginning-farmer-resource-network/events/ or the Get Real Get Maine website at www.getrealmaine.com.

The Beginning Farmer Resource Network, established in 2012, is a group of federal, state, and local farm service providers who have joined together to assist aspiring and beginning farmers, and farmers interested in farm succession and transfer planning, by providing information and technical assistance on everything from soil health to business planning. BFRN is dedicated to helping the whole farm community – including agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry – succeed, as well as ensuring that agriculture stays prosperous in the future.

The BFRN website at umaine.edu/beginning-farmer-resource-network has resources and assistance available, including topics like “What to Consider First, Financing Your Farm Business,” and “Balancing Farm and Family.” The site also has specific resources for military veterans, health and safety issues, and many other topics. Each area of the site provides resources, publications, and contacts to help you make informed decisions in starting and succeeding in your farm business, and links to all of the agencies and organizations that serve as the leadership council. These resources comprise a “toolbox” of information on important issues and concerns that farmers should think about when starting their business.

York County Cooperative Extesnion Service Offers 5 Week Beginner Beekeeping School in Springvale.

Educational Programs - 5-Week Beginner Bee School

 

Participants in this 5-week introductory beekeeping course will learn about

• the honey bee colony;
• constructing hives;
• spring, summer and fall management;
• honey production;
• wintering hives;
• identification and control of brood diseases; and
• parasites and predators.

Through the York County Beekeepers Association, students will also have the opportunity to visit local hives for observation and hands-on experience. Beginner Bee School instructor is Larry Peiffer, Master Beekeeper and former Vice President of the Maine State Beekeepers Association.

Where: Nasson Heritage room, basement level in the Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen Street, Springvale, ME

When:  Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:30 PM, March 2 – March 30, 2016

Course Fee: $95 – includes beginning beekeeping textbooks, other materials, and a 1-year membership in the York County Beekeepers Association. A reduced fee of $45 applies to one of a pair of students who choose to share the text and materials ($140/pair).
Registration is required by February 26, 2016.

Sponsored by the Maine State Beekeepers Association and University of Maine Cooperative Extension York County.

For more information, contact UMaine Extension in York County at 1.800.287.1535 (in Maine), 207.324.2814 or (TDD) 1.800.287.8957 or e-mail rebecca.gowdy@maine.edu. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Frank Wertheim at 800.287.1535 to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 7 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request; however, all requests will be considered.

Maine Department of Agriculture Prepares for Impending Outbreak of Spruce Budworm

Maine prepares for impending outbreak of spruce budworm

12/11/2015 10:58 AM EST

 AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today released its 2015 report on spruce budworm in Maine. Entomologists from the DACF's Maine Forest Service note a steady rise in the numbers of insects caught in pheromone traps concentrated along the Canadian border. Quebec's infestation now encompasses 15.6 million acres and has spread south onto the Gaspe Peninsula and toward Maine. The insect's potential to become an outbreak over vast regions of commercially valuable spruce-fir forests has scientists and public official deeply concerned. An infestation can spread rapidly via moths migrating to new areas.

"The total economic impact of Maine's forest industry is $8 billion with direct and indirect employment of 38,789 workers," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Fighting destructive pests like the spruce budworm is important to help protect Maine jobs and our economy. It is important that Maine's forest professionals identified the potential threat early on, are on top of recent developments and are preparing action steps to help minimize the damage from a future budworm outbreak."

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the DACF has been busy tracking the budworm by expanding the program used to determine its potential spread and impact.

"Permanent pheromone traps have been run annually for the past twenty years," said Whitcomb. "In light of the serious nature of the current potential threat to Maine forests, we significantly expanded our monitoring program last year. We are also working closely with stakeholders on a response plan to help minimize damage to our spruce-fir forests in the event of a major outbreak."

The report, Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) in Maine 2015, can be accessed online at: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/documents/2015sbwreport.pdf

**Maine's Response:**

Because the last spruce budworm outbreak during the 1970s-80s grew quickly, killed millions of acres of spruce-fir stands, and cost the region's economy many hundreds of millions of dollars, the Maine Spruce Budworm Task Force was formed in summer 2013 by the University of Maine's Cooperative Forest Research Unit (CFRU), Maine Forest Service (MFS), and the Maine Forest Products Council (MFPC) to begin the process of preparing for the next outbreak of the eastern spruce budworm.

Task teams including more than 65 experts on various aspects of the issue were assembled to address key aspects of the coming outbreak, including: wood supply & economic impacts; monitoring & protection; forest management; policy, regulatory and funding; wildlife habitat; public communications & outreach; and research priorities. Their pending report (which is in final drafting stages) includes an initial risk assessment of the coming spruce budworm outbreak and provides key recommendations for how Maine's forestry community can begin preparing for and responding to the coming outbreak.

 **Spruce Budworm:**

The native spruce budworm has long been recognized as a regular component of Maine's spruce-fir forests. Under normal (endemic) conditions populations of this insect are often so low as to be difficult to detect. Periodically, however, the budworm undergoes a population explosion (epidemic) and becomes so abundant that serious feeding damage occurs. Heavily infested stands appear reddish in July due to masses of dead, chewed needles clinging to the branches. Tree mortality may occur after several years of heavy feeding.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

Maine Christmas Trees for the Holidays! Maine Tree Growers Participate in Trees For Troops Program

12/03/2015 02:04 PM EST

*Governor Paul R. LePage commends Maine Christmas tree growers for sending trees to armed forces members and their families*

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are urging consumers to support local businesses by buying Maine Christmas trees this holiday season. Christmas tree buying season is in full swing and Maine Christmas tree growers are doing their part to support a national program to provide trees to armed forces members and their families as part of the national Trees for Troops effort.

"The Christmas season is an important time to give thanks for the many blessings we are given and show appreciation for the sacrifices that others make on behalf of our country," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Nothing says Maine more than a majestic, locally grown fir tree that graces a family living room. Thanks to the generosity of Maine Christmas tree growers, men and women of our armed forces will receive trees as part of the national Trees for Troops program. I commend Maine Christmas tree growers for doing their part to show appreciation for armed services members and their families and for all they do to help keep us safe."

 

 Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the importance of Maine's forest industry and resources available to consumers seeking Maine Christmas trees.

"Maine's forest industry accounts for $8 billion in economic activity, with direct and indirect employment of 38,789 workers," said Whitcomb. "Maine tree growers grow a product that is symbolic of that industry and adorns family living rooms locally and beyond our borders. You can support the Maine economy by buying a Maine Christmas tree."

Maine Christmas Tree Association representative Jim Corliss highlighted the efforts of Maine growers to support the Trees for Troops effort. "Just this morning, we loaded 300 trees onto a FedEx Freight trailer bound for the U.S. Marine Corps base in Cherry Point, North Carolina," said Corliss. "This is part of a 10-year effort to provide free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers."

Maine Christmas Tree Association:

The Maine Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) is a non-profit organization comprised of family farms that produce real Christmas trees and wreath products for retail, wholesale, mail order, or choose'n cut during the Christmas season. Producers may specialize or offer a combination of mail order, retail, choose'n cut or wholesale production of tree and wreath products.

The purpose of MCTA since it was incorporated in 1962 has been to promote real Christmas trees and share information about fresh Maine Christmas trees and wreath products with its members. This information includes the latest techniques in growing quality trees and wreath products to the care and recycling of Christmas trees.

Tree Selection and Care Tips: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/tree_information.cfm

Buying Resources: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/products.cfm

Trees for Troops:

Trees for Troops, a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, provides free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers.

Christmas Tree growers have been providing free trees for military families for years. In 2005, FedEx contacted the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, and wanted to be involved in the foundation's mission. Together the two organizations expanded the idea of providing Christmas Trees to military families, and Trees for Troops was born.

Since 2005, more than 157,000 free, farm-grown Christmas Trees have been provided to troops and military families in the United States and overseas through Trees for Troops. Thousands of trees are donated by American farm families and the public, and FedEx delivers these trees to more than 60 military bases in the U.S. and overseas. FedEx has logged more than 573,000 ground miles for the Trees for Troops program.

National Agri-Women Focus on Maine’s Growth Potential at Annual Convention in South Portland

 

Highlights local company improving animal health by reducing the use of antibiotics 

SOUTH PORTLAND – Maine Agri-Women are hosting the annual American Agri-Women convention in South Portland at the DoubleTree Hotel, Nov. 5-8, 2015. AAW is the largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness affiliated organizations throughout the country. The organization works to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable food, fiber and fuel supply.

Tour and Reception: Agri-Women will tour ImmuCell of Portland, Maine today and take part in a reception starting at 2 p.m. The tour and reception will also include Maine Agricultural, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Walt Whitcomb and state agricultural officials.

“It is great that a national group of this caliber is visiting an innovative Maine company that is taking the lead in reducing dependence on antibiotics for food production,” said DACF Walt Whitcomb. “We are very excited that our state is hosting a celebration of American Agri-Women’s 40th year advocating for agriculture in Maine and nationally.”

American Agri-Women (AAW) is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women with more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliate organizations throughout the country. AAW members have been advocating for agriculture since 1974 and are now celebrating their 40th anniversary. 

AAW has been celebrating its 40th anniversary DRIVE ACROSS AMERICA. AAW visited and educated consumers about American grown food and fiber and visited with AAW affiliates and members along the way. It has been a great way to recognize and honor the important role that women play in American Agriculture and to develop a stronger network between American agriculturalists and consumers. After highlighting the exceptional agricultural, food and fiber system in the U.S., the DRIVE concludes at the national convention at the Double Tree in South Portland, Maine.

ImmuCell is a public biotechnology company that is developing, manufacturing and selling products that improve animal health and productivity in the dairy and beef industries. Their product focus encompasses prevention, diagnosis and treatment of economically important bovine diseases. ImmuCell is a publically held company that trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ICCC.

Some examples of ImmuCell products:

• ImmuCell’s 85 employees have protected 16 million calves with their First Defense product since it hit the market. First Defense provides calves immediate immunity, thereby reducing dependence on treatment antibiotics and maximizing a calf’s genetic potential. First Defense in sold in the US, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China.
• ImmuCell is in the final stages of FDA approval for a product that would treat subclinical mastitis in dairy cows (Mast Out). It is unusual that a company of ImmuCell’s size invests to take a new product through the FDA approval process – but they are doing just that with Mast Out, their intra-mammary treatment for subclinical mastitis. Currently a producer’s only option is to treat mastitis with antibiotics.

A. Since there are no antibiotics allowed in our food supply, producers are required to dump the milk of treated cows down the drain rather than sell it.

B. Because the active ingredient in Mast Out is not an antibiotic (it’s a naturally occurring food preservative that we’ve further purified), producers would be able to treat mastitis and sell the milk/meat since it is safe. 

For more information on American Agri-Women: http://www.americanagriwomen.org/

For more information on Immucell: http://www.immucell.com

Applications for Space for the State of Maine Agricultural Trades Show Due in By November 20, 2015.

 

 

The State of Maine Agricultural Trades Show takes place every January and serves as a source for agricultural resources and products. Producers and consumers alike visit this three day show to take stock of current programs, new technologies and to gather information on the agriculture industry. This show is sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and provides promotion opportunities for businesses and organizations on the tradeshow floor.

 

The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades show will be held January 12, 13 and 14, 2016 at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, ME. All interested applicants can register online at www.regonline.com/maineagtradesshow. To request a physical copy of the application, please call 207-287-3491.

 Any one business or group of businesses may apply for a maximum of six (6) spaces. Agricultural organizations will be limited to one (1) space at a reduced rate. NOTE: Exhibiting is restricted to companies offering products or services directly related to agricultural production or marketing. The fee for each 8’ x 10’ commercial exhibit space is $375.00. The fee for nonprofit agricultural organizations is $225.00.

These fees do not include the cost of any electrical hookups, tables and chairs. There will be an additional charge of $40.00 for each electrical hookup, $15.00 for each table, and $5.50 for each chair. Wireless internet access is available through the Augusta Civic Center.

If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Samantha Howard, Agricultural Promotions Coordinator, at (207) 287-7620 or by e-mail at Samantha.Howard@maine.gov. We look forward to seeing you in Augusta, January 12th-14th, 2016.

 

Application Information

In an effort to improve our application process, marketing efforts and overall communications; the Agricultural Trades Show will now have its own dedicate website. The new website, will allow exhibitors to register online, make payments and receive up to date information on booth space and meeting space.

 

Please return your completed application NO LATER than Friday, November 20th, 2015. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Due to the increased popularity of the show and demand for space, payment for booth space is due IN FULL when you register.  We will notify you – in writing – if your application is accepted. Once space becomes full, we will put additional names on a waiting list. Once the floor is filled, if you are not chosen, payment will be immediately returned to you.

We look forward to partnering with you to make this a successful educational event for all! For any questions or more information on the application process or event, please contact Samantha Howard at (207) 287.7620 or Samantha.Howard@maine.gov