MAINE

Mary Ellen Johnston, Director
Division of Market and Production Development
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04332-0949
(207) 287-3491
FAX (207) 287-5576
E-mail Address: mary.ellen.johnston@maine.gov

Potato Marketing Improvement Fund
1983
Steve Belyea
$10 million
Maine potato growers and marketers

The program is administered jointly by the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Finance Authority of Maine. The program can provide a loan of up to 45 percent of the project costs with a fixed rate of 5 percent and a subordinate position to commercial bank debt. The program finances new, state-of-the art storage facilities, machinery, and equipment used to market high-quality Maine potatoes.

Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund
1997
John Harker
$6 million
Individual or entity engaged in agricultural, aquaculture, or natural resource-based enterprise.

This program is administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). This program can provide a loan up to 90 percent of project costs up to a maximum amount of $250,000 at an interest rate of 5 percent fixed in a subordinate lien position to commercial bank debt. The program is designed to help businesses employ new technologies and innovative processes. Loan funds may be used for new or improvements to land and buildings as well as to purchase or retrofit machinery and equipment that helps improve the quality and marketability of Maine-made products.

Nutrient Management Loan Program
1999
Mimi Clark
$6 million
Dairy Farmers

The program is jointly administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture (Department) and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), and was established through the combined efforts of the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Department, and FAME. This program provides low interest direct loans, up to $350,000, for the construction of livestock manure and milk room waste containment/handling facilities as set forth by the Nutrient Management Act, 7MRSA x4201 et seq., and the Maine Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Rules (Chapter 565). The program funding was provided by the State Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund.

Choose another state ...