Maine producers have until Nov. 6 to apply to a $60 million disaster-relief program covering qualifying losses from severe weather in 2023 and 2024.
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's current program page lists an online assistance session for Friday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applicants can join through the Zoom link on that page.
Potentially eligible losses include crops, aquaculture, standing and harvested timber, on-farm infrastructure and bare-ground work needed to limit land loss. Aquaculture is the farming of fish, shellfish or other aquatic organisms.
Applicants must own or have legal authority over the parcels involved. The program excludes losses that could have been covered by other existing U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster programs, insurance or other relief, according to the state.
The application window began Aug. 14. Applications may be filed online; paper forms are available through the program page, Farm Service Agency offices and UMaine Extension offices. Attending an assistance session is not required.
Producers who need help can call 207-530-3144 or email NRDRA.DACF@maine.gov. Before receiving a payment, successful applicants will need to register as state vendors.
The $60 million is the program's total funding, rather than an award guaranteed to every applicant. Eligibility and the documented loss determine how an application is reviewed.