ABOUT US
The Maine Homesteaders Alliance was founded in 2022 by beginner farmers who had experienced first hand the challenges of start-up farming and recognize the importance of building a healthy, diverse and resilient local food economy. We are a Maine-based non-profit (501c3 status pending) with a mission to support and strengthen small food producers, the local food economy and soil health throughout the State of Maine.
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Our organization currently meets quarterly (open to all members) at alternating locations, which are hosted by homesteader members. Each meeting is a full day event where we have a large cookout, discuss the Alliance's general business, and assist the hosting member with a sorely needed project, such as fixing or building a structure, weeding, splitting firewood, or anything else that can be managed by a small group of people in one day. Many of us have those projects that we just can't seem to finish, or get overwhelmed by the demands of our short growing seasons. Many hands make light work!
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Our meetings take place in January, April, July and October.
See below about our programs and services offered--with more to come!
SERVICES OFFERED
Grant Writing
Access funds for your farm!
We can assist your farm in accessing funds from public and private grant opportunities! Our Blossom and Harvest Members get 50% off grant writing services. Contact us to see what we might be able to do for you!
Equipment
(Coming soon!)
One of the largest costs for beginner or growing farms is equipment. Free for our Harvest Members, we are acquiring a line of farming equipment to lease to local farms. We will offer demonstrations to ensure that our members are comfortable and confident operating them.
Incubator Space
For beginner and existing farmers
In collaboration with our partners, we offer free farmland for our Harvest Members to lease to grow crops and/or to learn new farming techniques. Once our equipment lease program is launched we will offer training and demonstrations on the incubator space.
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Group Purchasing
Lower your operating costs!
It can be tough to compete with larger farms; smaller purchasing power means less bargaining power. However, combining the purchasing power of all of our Alliance members allows us to negotiate for lower prices in: heating oil, hay, firewood and feed (more coming soon).
Resources
We will help navigate resources and programs
Starting a farm and finding resources can be a difficult and overwhelming process. We will assist our Blossom and Harvest Members, free of charge, in finding the resources and programs that can help start or expand the farm!
