Join the Soil Health Network!

In 2022, we are inviting 10 additional farms to join the Soil Health Network!

We are seeking vegetable, row crop and pastured livestock farmers who are passionate about improving their soil health, and who would like to join a small cohort of fellow farmers to monitor and evaluate their soil health and management practices. Eligible farmers must farm on land protected by an MFT conservation easement.

We have funding for farms to participate for two growing seasons, 2022 and 2023. Through joining the Network, you will:

• Participate in the Maine cohort of a regional Soil Health Benchmark Study, which involves annual soil testing, record-keeping and benchmark analysis on three fields that you will select. You’ll receive an annual report that helps show the impact of your farm management practices on your soils.
• Deepen your knowledge of soil health with funding for you and byour farm team to attend workshops, farm tours and other learning opportunities in Maine and beyond.
• Create a climate adaptation plan and receive a mini-grant of up to $1600 per farm to fund an activity that will build soil health on your farm.
• Learn about other soil health resources and grants.
• Join winter workshops and summer farm tours to learn from the other farms in the Network.

With 6 farms continuing from our pilot year in 2021, we’re able to add 10 new farms in 2022 with the hope that we will expanding in future years. Applications for the 2022 cohort of the Soil Health Network are closed.

Please reach out to Farm Viability Program Director Sarah Simon with any questions (ssimon@mainefarmlandtrust.org), and we hope you will consider applying in the future.

Learn more about the Soil Health Network