BRUNSWICK, Maine — Federal and state partners are making major investments in 42 farms and small businesses across the state in an effort to safeguard Maine's iconic produce and its dedicated farmers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Brunswick on Friday for a news conference, where he announced that $4.3 million in grants would be available through the Rural Energy for America Program.
"These REAP grants are part of building a new American economy," Vilsack said. "Why is it the farm family has to work multiple jobs? Why can't we be smart enough to figure out a way to generate multiple sources of income?"
Vilsack said these grants will help farmers transition to clean energy, lowering energy bills, and generating income with energy buy-backs.
"We have a lot of very old buildings, old houses, old farm buildings ... all of which really benefit from having conversion to renewable energy," Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said at the conference.
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and Gov. Janet Mills joined Vilsack at the conference, applauding the USDA's financial support during tough times.
"Since the pandemic, Maine has utilized more grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen producers of our most iconic products," Mills said.
Since 2017, Maine has lost 600 farms according to U.S. agricultural census data.
Whatley Farms co-owner Ben Whatley said he has already been able to take advantage of REAP grants, which helped fund his solar panel installation.
"It actually takes a lot of energy to fund even a small organic farm," Whatley said. "It's really good to hear small farms being talked about and not just as an afterthought."