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

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

Maine Federation of Farmer's Markets Receives $348K in Federal Grants to Support Local and Regional Food Systems!!

 

The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets Receives Two USDA Grants

Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets113 North Lancey St.Pittsfield, ME 04967

Last week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack helped to kick off the nation's harvest season by announcing nearly $35 million in new funding through four grant programs to support local and regional food systems, including farmers’ markets. The Pittsfield-based Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets will be the recipient of two of those grants, bringing more than $348,000 in federal funds to Maine for work in communities across the state.

MFFM’s largest award is from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which will provide $249,600 to increase access at Maine farmers’ markets for people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). The funding will enable MFFM to hire a SNAP Program Manager to support low-income access at the markets and impact specific communities around the state (through partnerships with organizations such as the Portland Farmers’ Market Association, Washington County: One Community, and the Aroostook Community Action Program).

“Unfortunately, Maine ranks first in New England for food insecurity, and many low-income shoppers have little access to a fresh, local, healthy foods. Farmers and farmers’ markets across the state are already working hard to help those in need get healthy food. This grant will allow the Federation to provide more of the tools and technical support necessary to help these programs succeed. Projects such as this benefit small farmers, too. SNAP is a federally-funded program, so to see those dollars go to local producers and circulate in Maine’s economy is a good thing,” according to MFFM’s executive director, Leigh Hallett.

This funding will impact many regions of the state. Healthy Acadia’s Washington County Food System Coordinator, Regina Grabrovac, is excited about the grant. “I frequently hear how difficult it is for low income people to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables because they cost more than processed foods that are typically higher in calories. If we are to reverse the trend of diet-related disease, then increased access to fresh foods is critical, and farmers are ready to be part of the solution. Markets in our region need the support that this grant provides because the tools that allow for EBT access at farmers’ markets were not designed for isolated rural communities. This necessitates a great deal of technical trouble shooting at each site. Now we will be able to offer strong support services to get each of our region's markets up and running with SNAP benefits.”

The Federation also received a grant for $99,000 from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. In addition to a two year, statewide marketing campaign, that project includes developing a Farmers’ Market Snapshot Week event to collect data, photos, and stories about Maine’s markets, culminating in the publication of an annual report. According to Hanne Tierney, Chairman of the Portland Farmers’ Market Association (and Chair of MFFM’s Board of Directors), “This is a fantastic opportunity that USDA has offered Maine farmers’ markets. We have had substantial growth over the last ten years, and this grant will allow us to promote the farmers’ markets at a statewide level which would otherwise not be possible. The ‘snapshot’ will create a forum for us to share what we have accomplished with each other and the public. This grant is going to benefit markets across the state, from the small market in my community, to the largest markets in Maine.”

MFFM was founded in 1991, and works with farmers, consumers, and communities to make wholesome, locally-grown foods available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources, and to support farm viability. With more than 8000 farms and 150 farmers’ markets statewide, the local food network not only contributes to regional food security, but is a vital part of Maine’s economy. The database of Maine’s farmers’ markets is available online at mainefarmersmarket.org.

Don't Miss FARM SWAP DAY, EVERY SUNDAY in AUGUST at Tractor Supply Company, Sanford.

FARM DAY SWAP **** COMING UP ****

 8/2/15 ( and every SUNDAY in August)

AT THE Tractor Supply Company Store,

1077 MAIN ST. SANFORD MAINE

FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM

Pass the word and come on down to the swap!

This is a wonderful place to sell or buy barnyard animals.

Everything from Bunnies, to Chickens... Goats, Pigs and Cows!

LOTS of vendors selling pet and farm related items!

Remember to have water, shelter and food (if needed) for your animals.

Rabbits must be 8 weeks of age to be sold.

Poultry and waterfowl under the age of 8 weeks must be sold in 6's.

Last week chickens and goats sold very well.

Still had a person looking for quail.

Always looking for more vendors

NEVER A SET UP FEE

Don't miss out there's only a few more swap meets this year!!

HELP SUPPORT FARM DAY SWAP

See ya at the swap!!!

Maine Joins Homegrown By Heroes Farming Initiative.

 

 

State of Maine Joins Homegrown By Heroes Program

Davis, CA-July 24, 2015—Farmer Veteran Coalition has announced that the State of Maine has officially partnered with the Homegrown By Heroes (HBH) program.

Farmer Veteran Coalition Chief Operations Officer Jason Foscolo joined Walter Whitcomb, Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Maine in a ceremony to announce the partnership. The “Homegrown By Heroes – Maine partnership will work to promote agricultural products grown and/or produced by Maine farmer veterans. The ceremony took place at Ireland Hill Farms in Swanville, ME with numerous farmer veterans and government officials in attendance.

The Homegrown By Heroes (HBH) program is a marketing initiative created to help veterans who have gone into agriculture to promote and market their farm products. The label has gained national recognition, and provides an easily recognizable means for consumers to identify products that have been grown and produced by US military veterans. Consumers can show their support by shopping for products bearing the HBH label.

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted the importance of creating programs for returning veterans to farm. “The Ireland Hill farm is a great example. Ireland family support for the Maine Farmer Veteran Coalition and the national "Homegrown By Heroes" label will encourage other veterans to become Maine farmers,” said Whitcomb. “On behalf of Governor LePage and the First Lady, I thank the Irelands and wish their new farm great success.”

 “We are honored to partner with the State of Maine in this exceptional program to benefit farmer veterans in their endeavors in agriculture,” said Michael O’Gorman, Founder and Executive Director of Farmer Veteran Coalition. “The Homegrown By Heroes program is uniquely positioned to create opportunities for consumers to show their support for American veterans, and we are happy to be able to bring this opportunity to farmer veterans in Maine.”

Maine is the fifth state to officially partner with the Homegrown By Heroes program joining Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Arkansas. Several more states are slated to enter into formal agreements, also joining the initiative.

Established by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in 2013, the Homegrown By Heroes program is managed on a national scale through Farmer Veteran Coalition, and is open to any veteran or active duty service member who meets program requirements. To learn more about the program, visit www.farmvetco.org/homegrownbyheroes.  

About Homegrown By Heroes

Homegrown By Heroes is a product labeling program that identifies, promotes, and supports agricultural products grown and produced by U.S. veterans and those still serving in the U.S. military. The program was founded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and administered nationally by Farmer Veteran Coalition.

About Farmer Veteran Coalition

The mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is mobilizing veterans to feed America. FVC works to develop a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and expand viable employment and career opportunities through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Through mentorship, peer support, and career counseling, FVC supports veterans returning to or beginning careers in the food and farming industry. For more information, visit www.farmvetco.org

 

 

About Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is charged with developing the state’s various land-based, natural resources including Maine agriculture, forests, outdoor recreation and public access.  They support the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries and streamlining regulations. Additionally, the agency assists beginning farmers, halts forest fires, maps the ocean floor, and keeps public parks and land pristine and accessible.

Maine Dept. of Agriculture Announces Annual Maine Farm Day on Sunday, July 26, 2015

 

 

26th Annual Maine Open Farm Day

 A Maine tradition, farms will open their gates to the public this Sunday

AUGUSTA – Visit select Maine farms this Sunday, July 26. All across the State of Maine, close to 100 family farms will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Held each year, Open Farm Day is an opportunity for consumers to learn about Maine food producers and for farms to show the public their products.    

“On behalf of Maine citizens, I thank our farmers and producers for their work bringing fresh and natural products to our tables every day,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This is an exciting time for Maine-made products and Maine agriculture. The number of Maine farms is on the rise and so is the market value of our agricultural products. Since the last Census of Agriculture, the market value of Maine’s agricultural products has increased 24%. At a time when the number of farms in the United States is declining, the number of Maine farms has increased to 8,174, up from 7,196 in 2002. This growth coincides with renewed consumer interest in locally grown foods.”

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb urged families to “take advantage of this day to connect to life on the farm.” “There is a story, even a lesson that surrounds all the food and other farm products that we grow right here in Maine,” said Whitcomb. “While traveling to Maine farms on Open Farm Day, people will drive by hay fields, potato and grain fields, farm wood lots, orchards and large vegetable patches all growing crops that feed the economy before they fill dinner plates or supply other products that are important to our lives.”  

Open Farm Day is an annual family event that connects consumers with the men and women who help produce their food. Farms throughout Maine will open their gates to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture. Many farms will have demonstrations, displays, farm-raised products for sale and animals and crops to experience.

Activities may include barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, petting zoos, nature trails, beautiful scenery, samples for tasting and refreshments. Events like Open Farm Day have an impact on the Agri-Tourism in the State of Maine. According to the USDA, in 2012, AG Tourism & Recreational Services in Maine increased 78% (Increasing from $1,012,000 to $1,803,000) and participating farms increased by 141% (112 to 270 farms).

Now is a great time for consumers to visit and support Maine’s farms and be part of the growing support for locally grown foods. According to Gary Keough, New England Field Office State Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service, “the average size of a Maine farm is 178 acres, up seven percent since 2007. Organic production and aquaculture sales increased from the last Census and the value of aquaculture sales increased from $26.3 million to $75.1 million (ranking us eighth nationally); organic products increased from $23.3 million to $36.4 million

Portland Maine Farmer's Market Seeking Part Time Market Program Coordinator

We're Hiring at Portland Farmer's Market~

Available Position (1): Market Program Coordinator

 

 

The Portland Farmers’ Market is seeking a motivated, self-directed, organized individual to coordinate our Information Booth programming and outreach…

 

 

Job Title: Market Program Coordinator

Position reports to: Portland Farmers’ Market Association EBT Committee (Jaime Berhanu, Carolyn Snell, Hanne Tierney, Beth Schiller, Lauren Pignatello), Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets’ Executive Director (Leigh Hallett)

Job Description: The primary role of the chosen candidate will be managing the Portland Farmers’ Market Information Booth. The Market Information Booth is the centralized location for processing of credit, debit, and EBT (food stamp/SNAP) cards, and wooden tokens at the Portland Farmers’ Market. The Booth also serves as an information portal for customers’ inquiries about the market in general. The goal of this Booth is to enrich the customer’s experience of the market by increasing access, awareness, and education of local foods, and to strengthen and support our farmers’ successes.

 

This position also includes other administrative, promotional and community relations duties to support the growth and development of the Portland Farmers’ Market.

 

Skills desired: The ideal candidate will have a passion for building our local community and economy by helping the Portland Farmers’ Market Association support a vibrant farmers’ market in Portland, Maine.  The ability to maintain organized and accurate financial records is paramount. The candidate should be able and willing to work in inclement weather, have reliable transportation,  and should be able to lift equipment, up to 50lbs.  Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills are required, along with organizational capabilities while managing multiple projects. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel), and attention to detail are required. This position will rely heavily on web-based applications and email; therefore, a personal computer and access to internet (during non-market hours) are also required. Familiarity with social media platforms or willingness to learn, also required. Familiarity with non-profits and grants is helpful. Our ideal candidate will reliably complete assigned duties, as well as contribute creative ideas to further the Market’s mission.  Therefore, we seek a candidate with initiative, leadership skills and an ability to work collaboratively with other key players supporting the Market and its Information Booth program.

Duties:

• Manage market’s Info Booth Program, including EBT/SNAP, SNAP Outreach and other low-income access programs
• Work with program team to implement, manage, and creatively promote Funding Plan, including annual market raffle, merchandise sales, and on-site donations, while ensuring goals are met.
• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records for the Info Booth Program, and working to improve administrative efficiencies, including token counting.
• Manage and expand volunteer engagement program for the Market, including coordinating monthly customer counts year round.
• Maintain organization and care of Info Booth supplies and materials.
• Use Market’s Info Booth as a central access point for overall promotion of the market, its activities and programs, including management assistance of the market’s social media accounts.

 

Communication

• Communicate with Market Manager about any issues that arise on-site during market day(s)
• Perform regular check-ins with Information Booth Managing Team to give and receive constructive feedback about progress of programs.

 

Availability:

-25 hrs/wk May through November, 16 hrs/wk December through April

- Available Wednesdays from 5:45am-2:15pm (late April-late November); Saturdays from 5:45am-2:15pm (late April-late November); Saturdays from 8am-2pm (December- April)

-Off-site hours flexible as long as goals are met.

 

Compensation:

Hourly pay at $12.50, with opportunity for growth

 

 

 

 

 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to portlandmainefarmersmarket@gmail.com

 

 

Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you!

Recipe of the Day: Roasted Vegetable Ragu

 

Roasted Vegetable Ragu'

from the pages of epicurious.com

Ingredients

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 10 ounces fresh crimini mushrooms, quartered
• 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large parsnip, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

• 2 medium zucchini, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 cups (or more) canned vegetable broth
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Spread mushrooms and next 6 ingredients in single layer on prepared sheet. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
Add zucchini, 2 cups broth, and tomatoes with juices to vegetables; stir to blend well. Continue to roast until zucchini are tender and juices thicken slightly, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if liquid evaporates too quickly, about 30 minutes longer. Transfer ragù to bowl. Mix basil, parsley, and 1 teaspoon rosemary into ragù. Season with salt and pepper.

Today, June 17, is National "Eat Your Vegetables" Day!!

Today, June 17th is National "Eat Your Vegetables" Day

      Strategically created in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, this day is the perfect opportunity to re-introduce a healthy portion of vegetables into your diet. No doubt about it, Eat Your Vegetables Day was created to promote a more healthy diet.......for life! On this day, you are encouraged to eat vegetables for every meal, and for a snack. Better still, try to be a vegetarian....for the day. Short of that, any additional vegetables at meal time today will honor the event, as well as make you a little healthier. We encourage parents to let the kids help with dinner, preparing the salad and vegetables. Along the way, you tell your kids a little about the importance of vegetables for a long and healthy life.

Dover NH Farmer's Market to Open 6/3/15 and Every Wednesday

The DOVER, New Hampshire Farmers' Market

opens TOMORROW!
2:15-6:00 550 Central Ave, Dover, NH.
SEEDLINGS, EGGS, VEGGIES, MUSHROOMS, SOUP, MAPLE SYRUP, PREPARED FOODS....
Every Wednesday throughout the summer!!

 

 

New Food Safety Website Helps Small Farmers with Information on Changes to Federal Food Safety Guidelines

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine officials said a new state website will assist farmers and food producers with information about changes to federal food safety regulations.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry said the information on the website will pertain to the federal Food Safety Modernization Act, which was signed into law in 2011.
Maine Agriculture Commissioner Walter Whitcomb said the rules that impact farmers are still being developed and the website will keep food producers up to date on them. He said the website will provide information as changes occur, with a focus on how the rules affect farmers and businesses.

You can find the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Foresty's new Food Safety website here:  http://www.maine.gov/dacf/qar/fsma/

Riverside Farm Stand and Greenhouses Announce the Return of Maine Grown Fiddleheads.

Riverside Farm Stand and Greenhouses at 323 Elm St. in North Berwick, Maine announces the return of  MAINE GROWN FIDDLEHEADS! It's a short season so get them while you can. We also have a nice selection of MEMORIAL DAY BASKETS. We are located at 323 Elm Street, North Berwick ME. We are open 9am to 6pm 7 days a week including Memorial Day.

 

You can LIKE Riverside Farm Stand & Greenhouses on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CSAFARM?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

USDA Announces Grants to Aid Farmer's Markets in Becoming SNAP program Friendly.

Contact:

USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623

USDA Announces Grants to Enable More Farmers Markets to Serve Low-Income Families

SNAP Recipients Can Now Purchase Fresh Fruit, Vegetables at More Than 6,200 Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farms

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2015 – Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced the availability of up to $3.3 million in competitive funding to support the ability of farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a form of payment. These awards will help expand SNAP participants' access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods found at farmers markets, while supporting our nation's farmers and producers. "We have seen an unprecedented growth in the number of farmers markets accepting SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in the past six years," said Concannon. "These awards support the markets that may need administrative help in implementing and managing EBT service and informing customers that they can use their SNAP benefits at farmers markets." The Under Secretary also announced that there are now more than 6,200 farmers markets and direct marketing farmers authorized to accept SNAP nationwide – an eightfold increase since the beginning of this administration. In fiscal year 2014, approximately $18.7 million in SNAP benefits were used at farmers markets, an increase of 7.5 percent over 2013. Increasing the number of SNAP authorized farmers markets is part of USDA's ongoing mission to support recipients in making healthy food choices. The Farmers Market SNAP Support Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 and must be designed to increase SNAP client accessibility and participation at farmers markets, and support the establishment, expansion, and promotion of SNAP EBT services at farmers markets. Eligible applicants include farmers market organizations and associations, non--profit entities, state, local and tribal nations and other organizations engaged in farmers market management. The Request for Applications will be published today. Applications are due June 18, 2015. Grant funds will be awarded in September. For further information about the grant application, visit www.grants.gov. Supporting farmers markets and expanding access to healthy, local food is a key element of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative which coordinates the Department's effort on local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack has identified local and regional food systems as one of the four pillars of rural economic development. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs. In addition to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, these programs include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, the National School Lunch Program, and the Summer Food Service Program which together comprise America's nutrition safety net. For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov.

North Berwick Farmer's Market Opens Again on Fridays 3-6 pm.

North Berwick Farmers' Market

We have a few new vendors: Buddha's Burning Buns, East Moosefart Estates, Black Mountain Farm, Sweet Thyme Farm, Second Break...fast Farm, Oak Woods Farm.
As always we accept SNAP and double the value of your dollar up to $20.
This year we will be raffling off goodies from our vendors and coffee from Carpe Diem Coffee at 4:30 every week.
Come give our new vendors a warm welcome and our regular vendors a warm welcome back!