When Maine Farmland Trust was founded in 1999, just a few hundred acres of farmland had been protected. 25 years later, MFT is on the cusp of reaching 60,000 acres of protected farmland, we support a network of 560 farms and counting, and we’ve grown into a dynamic, responsive organization that focuses on farmland alongside the many other ingredients farmers and farm businesses need to thrive.
Without you – the farmers, members, and partners in the MFT community – this progress would not be possible. You believe in the value that farms bring to our landscape, our communities, and our economy, and your support grows our impact each and every year. Thank you.
In 2024, we accomplished:
1,720+ acres of farmland protected with agricultural conservation easements across 12 farms
885+ acres of Maine’s best agricultural soils protected
545 acres with an Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value (OPAV) across 5 farms
366 acres of farmland remained in agriculture through 6 links to new farmers
40+ farmland protection projects in process for 2025 and beyond
In 2024, we accomplished:
44,000+ acres of farmland across 296 easement-protected farms supported by MFT’s Farmland Stewards
115+ total farm business engagements in cohort-related programs, technical assistance, workshops, and grants
$375,500 in business & climate resilience grants awarded or pledged to 73 farms
580+ hours of technical assistance delivered to 35 farms, including 175+ hours supporting farms navigating PFAS
In 2024, we accomplished:
95+ policymakers, farmers, and advocates engaged through local, state, and federal policy and research efforts
20+ municipalities supported with technical assistance and guidance
11 public testimonies delivered on farming-related bills in the State Legislature
350+ people reached through policy outreach and engagement activities and events
