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MaineLD 1925132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Improve Access to Grant Funding for the Maine Farms for the Future Program

Sponsored By: Laurie Osher (Democratic)

Became Law

FARMSFARMS - PRESERVATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Grants and low-interest loans for farms

After you finish the required plan, you can apply for a reduced-interest loan and a grant to carry it out. To request the grant, you must own at least 5 acres in agricultural use. Each grant is capped at $45,000 or 25% of the plan’s investments, whichever is less. A competitive panel chooses who gets grants and who can seek the loan, using department criteria.

Seven-year farmland protection for grants

To receive a grant, you must have or sign a 7-year farmland protection agreement before money is provided. The land must stay in agricultural use during that time; long-term lessees may qualify for exceptions. You must spend funds only on the approved business plan or a department-approved amendment. The Department reviews your plan within 2 years of the grant date. You may end the agreement early by repaying the funds.

Help to build your farm plan

Farm businesses with at least 2 years of commercial production in Maine can apply. The Department can allow exceptions. If selected, you have up to 18 months to build a business plan using an approved services package. The Department pays for outside experts up to $10,000 per farm. Your plan must list management changes and investments to grow the farm.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laurie Osher

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Friedmann

    Democratic • House

  • James White

    Republican • House

  • Paul Flynn

    Republican • House

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

  • Randall Hall

    Republican • House

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 254

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-349) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-349), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/2/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-349).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    5/6/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/6/2025House

Bill Text

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