Maine farms and forests will get millions in federal funds

Maine’s farmers, small businesses and woodlands will be on the receiving end of millions in federal funding announced last week.

More than three dozen farms and small businesses statewide will receive $4.3 million in national grants and loans for solar installations and other energy projects, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Gov. Janet Mills announced Friday.

Vilsack also announced a $190 million national grant program Thursday for woodland owners adapting their forest management practices to climate change.

The funding joins existing policies on the state level for transitioning to renewable energy, particularly solar, and preparing for the impacts of climate change on the state’s forests.

Energy funding was awarded to 42 Maine applicants, joining the Mills administration’s focus on expanding renewable energy, especially solar, through policy and funding. Her office aims for 80 percent of the state’s energy use to be renewable by 2030, with a goal of 100 percent by 2050.

Grants and loans announced Friday go to businesses making energy efficiency improvements and shifting to renewable energy sources including wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower. Funding comes from the federal Rural Energy for America Program funded by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

In Maine, the majority of the funded projects are roof- or ground-mounted solar panels for businesses. Project descriptions estimate many will save businesses thousands per year in energy costs.

Two nonprofits, the Island Institute and Coastal Enterprises Inc., also received funding to help businesses apply for grants through the program.

Since 2020, the energy program has put $231 million toward Maine projects, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The forestry program is also funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Maine organizations have already started to prepare for the effects of climate change on the state’s forests, which they expect could change the species composition to resemble the Mid-Atlantic’s hardwood-dominant forests and bring new pests and diseases.

With the new program, some landowners will be paid directly to use climate adaptation and carbon storage practices on their land with $50 million of the total.

The other $140 million is set for “cost share” programs with landowners to use practices that will help their forests be resilient to climate change and store carbon. For example, they could remove smaller trees to promote the growth of bigger trees to store more carbon, according to the department.

Applications for the forest programs are due Sept. 30.