Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Maine announces agricultural development grants

11 projects awaiting final approval

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Walter Whitcomb, announced over $400,000 in grants for 11 projects dedicated to helping sustain and improve Maine’s agricultural industry. The projects will focus on such issues as market development, improved technology, and promotion of products produced in Maine.

He made the announcement during the Maine Agricultural Trades Show. The 11 projects, currently waiting for final state approval, were chosen from a pool of nearly 50 applicants by a review committee.

“The last Census of Agriculture found that the market value of Maine agricultural products has increased 24%,” said Governor Paul R. LePage in a press release. “The awards announced today will allow Maine agriculture to continue its momentum by helping farmers and producers realize their full economic potential to supply consumers in Maine, New England and beyond. The investments being announced today support job creators and continued growth of our natural resource economy.”

Some of the projects awaiting approval from the State of Maine Purchases Division are:

AgMatters, LLC
From Vassalboro, Maine, they would provide food safety and education for Maine Crop Distribution Systems

Crooked Face Creamery
Out of Norridgewock, they’re focus is their own market expansion

University of Maine
From Monmouth, they will look to increase local plum production

Maine’s major crop in 2013 was potatoes with valued production at over $164 million.


Trending Video

Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

Video: Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.