The federal funding freeze is just one part of the equation resulting from recent federal actions that is affecting farmers. Cuts in crucial programming and mass firings of vital staffing also have a direct impact on farmers. While some funds have been unfrozen and some staff have been temporarily reinstated, the long-term impacts of these actions are still playing out. We are responding to the changing landscape daily, and are working to support growers and keep the MOFGA community informed. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reviewing programs that were frozen, but the process and timeline for decisions are not transparent. On March 28, MOFGA’s Executive Director Sarah Alexander, Seth Kroeck of Crystal Spring Farm, and Annie Watson of Sheepscot Valley Farm spoke about how the recent federal actions are affecting farmers and everyday Americans.
Programs and grants of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), including those listed below, make up just 1% of the USDA budget, but the benefits to our farmers and communities is considerable. The recent federal actions to freeze funding, eliminate vital programs, and remove crucial staff are already negatively impacting our farms and communities. In addition, the USDA grants require farmers to cover the costs of implementation and submit paperwork for reimbursement. In many cases, farmers are years into projects, expecting to receive reimbursement in the agreed upon timeframe, only to be left paying bills they did not anticipate and, in many cases, do not have the financial resources to sustain.
- EQIP — Environmental Quality Incentives Program
- The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is one of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s most important grant programs and is intended to help farmers improve conservation practices on the farm. While we know that certain farming practices, such as reduced tillage, increased mulching, and planting hedgerows, are best practices for improving soil health, reducing erosion, protecting water and air quality, and supporting wildlife habitat, the upfront cost and long return on investment can make them unattainable for many farmers. Signed contracts are being honored. There have been no new IRA contracts.
- MPSIG — Maine Produce Safety Improvement Grant
- The Maine Produce Safety Improvement Grant (MPSIG), managed by MOFGA with pass-through funds from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, helps farmers implement on-farm food safety practices in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule. The federal funding freeze for this program was rescinded in mid-March.
- REAP — Rural Energy for America Program
- USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants fund energy efficiency improvements and the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems to reduce electricity costs on farms and increase American energy independence. This program is not only a benefit to farmers but also creates jobs for Mainers who install and maintain renewable energy systems, keeping the dollars circulating in the local community. Funding for this program is still frozen.
- TOPP — Transition to Organic Partnership Program
- Facilitated by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Transition to Organic Agriculture Partnership Program (TOPP) provides critical funding to help farmers make the often difficult shift to organic farming. Through comprehensive technical assistance and mentorship, TOPP guides farmers through the process of becoming certified organic, which can open up new markets for farmers and improve their economic viability. Funding is available for TOPP at this time.
- PCSC — Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
- USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program helps to defray upfront costs associated with the adoption and implementation of productive and resilient farming practices, which can be a barrier to adoption for many farmers. This program provides farmers expanded access to markets, access to large-scale datasets to inform and improve decision-making, and support from expert technical assistance providers, increasing their odds of success. Funding for this program is still frozen. MOFGA’s partner organizations are furloughing employees as a result of this funding freeze.
- RMA — Risk Management Agency
- RMA grants deliver risk management education and training to farmers and ranchers, aiming to increase access to federal crop insurance. Funding for this program is frozen.
- LFS — Local Foods for Schools
- A program of the Department of Education, LFS provides funding for K-12 schools to purchase healthy, locally produced foods. This funding has been instrumental in getting Maine-produced foods into secondary schools in underserved areas such as hard-to-reach towns in rural Maine, thereby supporting both healthy food access and farmers. Earlier this year, the federal government cut over $2.8 million in funding for this program.
Please note, this reflects funding and program status as of Monday, March 31, 2025.
