The results of a statewide outreach project late last year can now be found in a report released this month.

Results from a Statewide Engagement Process: Maine Farmers' Needs and Priorities was developed by project consultant Ellen Skakalski. The data contained in this report are the direct feedback of participants engaged in a statewide outreach process carried out between August 2018 and January 2019 that was designed to gather input on the needs and priorities of Maine farmers. The framework of those discussions and this report was organized in accordance with the 2013 Strategic Plan of the Agricultural Council of Maine (AGCOM).

Information in the report is strictly data with minimal interpretation. The next step in this initiative is for industry representatives to review the report, to identify themes that are representative of and broadly applicable to Maine’s diverse farming community, and to prioritize action items relevant to economic sustainability. Once identified, these unifying themes can serve as the basis for further program and policy development work that benefits Maine farms and businesses.

There are three formats of the final report available: the executive summary; the report; and the report with appendices, which includes all of the feedback that was contributed throughout this process.