Applications are now open for the Working Farmland Access and Protection Program (WFAPP) to provide funding to protect Maine’s productive and economically significant agricultural lands.
Donor Name: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
State: Maine
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 04/22/2022
Details:
On these protected properties, WFAPP encourages agricultural practices that support soil health, carbon sequestration, and the long-term productivity of protected farmland.
WFAPP seeks to protect farmlands comprised of soils identified and classified by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as “Prime Farmland,” “Farmland of Statewide Importance,” and “Farmland Soils of Local Importance,” as well as “Unique Farmlands,” that do not rely on prime, statewide or locally important agricultural soils, but do produce important high-value crops such as blueberries and cranberries. On these protected properties, WFAPP encourages agricultural practices that support soil health, carbon sequestration, and the long-term productivity of protected farmland.
WFAPP also seeks to protect properties that support farming operations in areas of the State that support and anchor a viable agricultural economy, that benefit beginning farmers or underserved communities, and that provide multiple public benefits such as protection of wildlife habitat.
Eligibility Criteria
Project proposals can come from a state agency, a local or statewide land trust, a non-profit conservation organization, a town, or other entity that is an eligible holder of conservation easements under Title 33 M.R.S.A, Section 476(2) and a “qualified organization” under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(h)(3). Owners and operators of farmland who are interested in protecting their land from development are welcome to contact LMF or BAFRR for more information about the WFAPP, but will need to work with one of these eligible entities rather than applying directly to LMF. All proposals must be sponsored by the Bureau of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources; see below for details on how to seek sponsorship and bring a project proposal to LMF.
For more information, visit Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
