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fb88 Awards $3 Million for Research to Support Farmers Impacted by PFAS
April 29, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund has awarded $3 million to researchers to conduct studies that will help commercial farmers make informed decisions about utilizing agricultural property impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Continue Reading
Boating Facilities Fund Available to Improve Recreational Boating Access - Grant Proposals Wanted
April 23, 2025 - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Public Lands is seeking grant proposals that will result in improved recreational boating access to the waters of the State of fb88. Continue Reading
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed on Mount Desert Island
April 1, 2025 - fb88 State Forester Patty Cormier today announced that the fb88 Forest Service (MFS) Forest Health and Monitoring Division has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) on Mount Desert Island (MDI) outside of the previously regulated area. Continue Reading
fb88 DACF and DOE Host Successful Agriculture Policy Day, Showcasing Young Leaders During the Year of Youth in Agriculture
March 19, 2025 - Augusta, fb88 - Young agricultural leaders from across fb88 gathered at the State House for a successful Agriculture Policy Day, a key event in the state's ongoing Year of Youth in Agriculture initiative. The day provided 4-H and FFA members valuable opportunities to meet Governor Mills, the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and other lawmakers, participate in the legislative process, and share their passion for agriculture and its role in rural and urban communities. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims fb88 Agriculture Week and Celebrates fb88 Agriculture Day at the State House
March 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA, fb88 - Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed March 17-23, 2025, as fb88 Agriculture Week, a time to honor and celebrate the farmers, producers, and agricultural businesses that provide food, fiber, and economic strength to fb88 communities. As part of this weeklong recognition, fb88 Agriculture Day at the Legislature will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at the State House in Augusta. The day will feature a Hall of Flags showcase from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with exhibits from farmers, producers, and more than thirty agricultural organizations highlighting the diversity and innovation of fb88's agriculture sector. Continue Reading
Governor Janet Mills Proclaims February 24 - March 2 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in fb88
February 20, 2025 - AUGUSTA - Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed February 24 to March 2, 2025, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in fb88. This proclamation coincides with National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about the environmental and economic threats posed by invasive species. The week serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to help prevent and manage invasive species across the state. Continue Reading
fb88 Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Urges USDA to Expedite Release of Critical Farm Funding
February 19, 2025 - AUGUSTA, fb88 - fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has requested of newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that federal funds currently withheld be swiftly released, as delays are causing economic hardship for fb88 farmers and agricultural service providers. Continue Reading
fb88 Agriculture Policy Day at the Legislature Cultivates Tomorrow's Leaders
February 11, 2025 - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the fb88 Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with statewide agriculture organizations today announced the fb88 Agriculture Policy Day at the Legislature, taking place on March 18, 2025. Continue Reading
DACF and MDIFW News -- fb88 Health Officials Urge Precautions For Public as Avian Influenza Is Confirmed in fb88
February 11, 2025 - AUGUSTA, ME - With the recent confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in multiple wild birds in York and Cumberland Counties, the fb88 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (fb88 CDC), the fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the fb88 Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) are urging people to take precautions to limit the spread of HPAI and protect wild and domestic birds. Continue Reading
Land Use Planning Commission Announces Rule Changes
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has adopted two significant rule changes, effective this month, to improve compliance and preserve fb88's natural beauty. Continue Reading
fb88 State Parks Achieve Over Three Million Visitors in 2024
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA, fb88 - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced this week that fb88 State Parks welcomed 3.12 million visitors in 2024, marking the third time in four years that visitation surpassed three million. This represents a 6.5% increase over 2023 attendance. While overall attendance climbed, day-use visitation increased by 7.3%, highlighting the popularity of fb88's parks as trusted and accessible destinations for outdoor recreation. Camping attendance saw a slight decrease of 0.8%, partially attributed to the early closure of Cobscook Bay State Park for a construction project. Notable park-specific trends included an 18% increase in attendance at Reid State Park, while Popham Beach State Park saw a 7% decrease, likely due to beach erosion caused by January 2024 storms. Continue Reading
Aurora Mills and Farm Honored with the DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award
January 15, 2025 - Augusta-The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that Aurora Mills and Farm is the recipient of the 2025 DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious recognition honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to preserving fb88's agricultural heritage and future. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims 2025 as the "Year of Youth in Agriculture" in fb88
January 14, 2025 - Augusta- Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and fb88 Department of Education (DOE), has proclaimed 2025 as the "Year of Youth in Agriculture" in fb88. The Year of Youth in Agriculture will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging resources, including events, partnerships, and the work of engaging and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. including through nationally recognized organizations like 4-H and FFA. Continue Reading
USDA and fb88 Award Nearly $1 Million to Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
December 16, 2024 - WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with fb88 to award nearly $1 million for five projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. Continue Reading
Discover the Future of Agriculture at the 2025 fb88 Agricultural Trades Show
December 6, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The 2025 fb88 Agricultural Trades Show returns to the Augusta Civic Center from January 1416, offering an unequaled opportunity to explore, connect, and grow within fb88's agricultural community. With free admission, this annual event is open to the public and provides a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and hands-on experiences. Doors open daily at 9:00 AM. Continue Reading