Farms for the Future RFP application period has begun!

The application period for Farms for the Future Phase 1 Business Planning
has begun!  Applications will be available from the Dept of Ag on Monday,
October 5th.


PLEASE NOTE: The turnaround time for the RFP is VERY TIGHT.  Farmers only
have 2 weeks to get applications in by the deadline of Monday, October 19th
at 2pm.  Please, contact interested farmers and encourage them to call the
Dept of Ag for an application as soon as they can.  The Contact information
for the Dept. of Ag is below

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - RFP # 200905453  

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL RESOURCES

MAINE FARMS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Market and
Production Development Division, is requesting farmer's applications to the
Maine Farms for the Future Program (FFF) - Phase 1 - Business Plan
Development Program. To be eligible an applicant must own and operate a Farm
Business that has been producing agricultural products commercially in the
State of Maine for at least two (2) years at the time of application. The
applicant must own their farmland. If having recently purchased the
farmland, the applicant must have at least two years experience operating a
Farm Business elsewhere in Maine.  As defined in Title 7, Chapter 36, Rules
Governing the Maine Farms for the Future Program, a Farm Business means that
the agricultural products grown or produced on the farm are being sold
commercially and the farm has documentation of gross and net farm income,
expenses, net worth and farm debt.  

Copies of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and Program Application are
available from Cheryl Maschino, DAFRR- M&PD, 28 State House Station,
Augusta, ME 04333-0041.

Telephone: (207) 287-3491. Email:  cheryl.maschino@maine.gov.

Six (6) copies of the proposal and one (1) copy of the required tax forms
sealed in one (1) envelope clearly marked with your return address and the
notation: "Proposal: Maine Farms for the Future Business Plan Development
Program" must be delivered to the Division of Purchases, Burton M. Cross
Building, 4th Floor, 111 Sewall Street, 9 State House Station, Augusta,
Maine 04333-0009, no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday, October 19,
2009, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.