U.S. Government Organizations & Agencies
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.
USDA / Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) USDA / NRCS – Maine Division The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the primary federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain, and improve their natural resources. The Agency emphasizes voluntary, science-based conservation, technical assistance, partnerships, incentive-based programs, and cooperative problem solving at the community level. |
State Organizations & AgenciesME Department of Agriculture The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources is the State’s lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system, from the field to the table. The Department maintains a mission of fostering opportunities for the agriculture community and of promoting stewardship of Maine’s natural resources.
For information about Maine farms, farmer’s markets, Agricultural Tourism, and maps to Maine farms, visit http://www.getrealmaine.com/. ME Forest Service – Project Canopy Project Canopy assists communities and nonprofit, grassroots organizations in building self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs with strong local support. 
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Local & Non-Profit Organizations
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Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District (AVSWCD) The mission of the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote the conservation and stewardship of soil, water, and related natural resources, by providing leadership, technical assistance, and educational programming to and with the citizens of Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties.
Benton Alewife Festival Benton is one of several dozen Maine towns that have commercial harvesting rights for alewives, a species of herring. The annual Benton Alewife Festival is a day-long celebration of Benton’s alewife fishery, with a family-oriented fun day at various locations throughout the town. Downeast Resource Conservation and Development One of Maine’s five RC&D Councils, Downeast RC&D’s mission is to promote resource conservation through systematic usage of our natural and human resources, and to improve the economy while maintaining quality in the natural resource base. Friends of Midcoast Maine From Brunswick to Bucksport, we are interested citizens, land owners, farmers, city folks, members of local land trusts, town officials, and socially responsible business people. We worry that unplanned growth is transforming our matchless Midcoast Maine communities, and we are determined to replace mindless sprawl with sensible growth. We are the Friends of Midcoast Maine, and together we can make a difference. Heart of Maine Resource Conservation and Development Another of Maine’s five RC&D Councils, Heart of Maine works to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District (KCSWCD) KCSWCD’s mission is “to protect and enhance Maine’s soil and water resources by providing educational programs, conservation information, and technical assistance to municipalities, schools, landowners, and residents of Kennebec County.” Kennebec Local Foods Initiatives (KLFI) The primary mission of KLFI is to grow the edible economy in the greater Gardiner area. To that end, KLFI is committed to fostering a self-sustaining, community-driven, and equitable food system that values the wellbeing of people, the planet, and the local economy. |
Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) KVCOG is a municipal services corporation owned and operated by and for the benefit of its members. KVCOP helps its members to deliver cost effective and efficient municipal services to create a more stable, growing, and diversified regional economy, to improve transportation and communication, and to preserve our natural environment through conservation of resources and wise land use planning and decision-making.
Maine School Gardens Network (MSGN) MSGN works to promote educational opportunities to the next generation through environmental stewardship by allowing students to get their hands dirty. Not only do participants learn about their food and where it comes, but about nutrition as well. MSGN offers education and opportunities to enhance all aspects of learning. Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society The Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society is a non-profit organization that focuses on sustainable food production in the state of Maine. The work of the organization includes education, research, and work with local farmers. Maine Farmland Trust Established in 1999, the purpose of the Maine Farmland Trust is to permanently preserve and protect Maine’s agricultural lands; to assist landowners, land trusts, and municipal and state agencies in identifying and protecting agricultural lands; and to make those lands available to farmers. Maine Rural Partners There are a lot of good people doing great work in rural Maine. At Maine Rural Partners, we strive to bring these people – and solutions – together so that all of rural Maine can share the benefits and avoid the pitfalls. As we move into the 21st century, there is simply too much at stake for us not to be sharing resources and experience. Threshold to Maine Resource Conservation and Development One of Maine’s five RC&D Councils, Threshold to Maine assists communities in York, Cumberland, Oxford, and Franklin Counties in improving skills and commitment needed to balance social, economic, and ecological issues around natural resource use. |
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Other Organizations
NARC&DC The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&DC) was established in 1988 to represent America’s 375 local Resource Conservation and Development Councils. The local councils deliver coordinated resource conservation and rural development assistance throughout rural America. Through local RC&D Councils, communities, all levels of Government, and grassroots organizations work together to develop and implement solutions to widespread problems, and to develop opportunities that will help sustain rural communities, local economies, and natural resources.
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NERC&D The New England Association of Resource Conservation & Development (NERC&D) consists of 15 RC&D Councils in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Each RC&D Council is organized and directed by local people to meet local needs.
NSAAS The Northeast States Association for Agricultural Stewardship (NSAAS) was created in 1999 to provide a unified voice for northeast agriculture in the development of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Executive Committee is composed of the chairs, vice chairs, and ranking members of the state legislative committees responsible for agriculture policy. NSAAS, through publications, conferences and staff, serves as a clearinghouse and resource for legislators and advocates as they develop innovative agricultural policies dedicated to promoting and assisting agricultural and rural development in the northeast.
NSAAS The Northeast States Association for Agricultural Stewardship (NSAAS) was created in 1999 to provide a unified voice for northeast agriculture in the development of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Executive Committee is composed of the chairs, vice chairs, and ranking members of the state legislative committees responsible for agriculture policy. NSAAS, through publications, conferences and staff, serves as a clearinghouse and resource for legislators and advocates as they develop innovative agricultural policies dedicated to promoting and assisting agricultural and rural development in the northeast.
