Farmers: Sign Up to Offer Maine Senior FarmShare
The Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFP) is seeking additional farm businesses statewide to join our roster of 2024 authorized farms. We would also like to hear from you if you are interested in participating in the program starting in 2025 and beyond.
MSFP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides income-eligible older adults the opportunity to receive a share (worth $50) of local produce at no cost from Maine farmers.
Those eligible for shares are:
- Low-income older adults aged 60 or older
- Low-income older Native Americans aged 55 or older
- Low-income disabled adults aged 18 or older who live in senior housing with a cafeteria
Eligible foods available to purchase with program funds are fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
For more information and to fill out an application, go to www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/seniorfarmshare/farmers.
MSFP Participating Farmer FAQ
Why should I participate?
- Bring new customers to your farm.
- Get paid for food you might otherwise being giving away.
- Build community connections.
How do I become an authorized farmer?
- Fill out a New Farmer Application and submit it to MSFP.
- MSFP will review your application.
- Participate in a two-hour required training.
- MSFP will create an account for you on MOSSA, the program’s farmer-facing website.
What happens after I am signed up?
- MSFP lists your farm on the website.
- By April 1, MSFP advertises that the program has launched.
- Older adults contact you to sign up.
- MSFP pays you $50 for each participant.
- Participants shop or receive deliveries until the share value is spent.
What are my obligations?
- You will sign participants up to participate in the program.
- Participants self report income and are not required to provide proof of income.
- You will track participant spending.
- You will report participant spending at the end of the season (or more often if you want).
- You will treat participants with dignity and respect.
Is there support for authorized farmers?
MSFP Program Manager is available for:
- Publicity and outreach support (i.e., posters, postcards)
- Technical support with MOSSA
- Brainstorming possible partner organizations and entities
- Conflict-resolution with participants
- Farm visits and virtual meetings
How do I get food to participants?
- Deliver bundles of produce to older adults where they live
- Partner with a non-profit (i.e., food pantry, library) to be a drop site
- Participants shop at your stand or market stall like any other customer
For more information, email SeniorFarmShare.Agr@maine.gov or call (207) 446-5550.
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