FARMINGTON — Thacher Carter from Maine Farmland Trust [MFT] attended the May 14 Select Board meeting to see if the board was interested in participating in a project it is working on.

A grant proposal is being put together through the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative [RCDI] focused on municipal capacity building to support agriculture as a key component of local and regional economic development, Carter said.

Part of the grant application involves identifying towns interested in participating, so Carter is reaching out to municipalities to gauge interest.

“We are looking to identify three or four towns in total, and we see a lot of benefit in collaborating with towns in a shared region to facilitate town-to-town learning opportunities,” Carter said. He is meeting with towns in the greater Farmington area and those in other regions of the state.

The program would be at no cost to the town, would require engagement and participation, he noted. 

Town Manager Erica LaCroix asked how this region of Maine was selected.

Farmington has a good network of farmers, has a lot of great farmland, Carter answered. In Farmington six farms have participated in MFT programs, about 15-20 regionally, he noted. The entire agriculture community will be invited to participate in this, he stated.

This program is about Farmington being able to develop policy to make us more farmer friendly, LaCroix noted.

The Greater Franklin Food Council has 80 farms in its database, resident and farmer Erica Emery said. Two years ago, 35 farmers were interviewed, the council has a list of priorities that align closely with MFT, she added. “The food council is excited about this,” she added.

“Many Maine communities recognize the benefits that farming brings to our economy and landscape — and with thoughtful consideration for agriculture in local decision-making, municipalities can make it easier for farms to thrive,” Carter told the Livermore Falls Advertiser last week. “Maine Farmland Trust is currently assisting several towns to incorporate farmer perspectives and agricultural considerations in their policy and planning efforts. We’re exploring areas of potential collaboration with the Town of Farmington, and we look forward to continuing our outreach and discussions in the region.”