ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine has received a $1 million federal grant to find ways to boost grain production on Maine farms.
“There’s been a lot of interest in being able to source locally owned grains” in Maine’s flour mills, bakeries, breweries and distilleries, said Ellen Mallory, the UMaine agriculture specialist who will lead the project.
The award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow nine researchers from the University of Maine and University of Vermont to collaborate with farms across the state. They will study organic agriculture production, breeding and processing methods; explore potential economic benefits for producers and rural communities; and explore farm production, marketing, food safety and business management.
“Organic grain production has increased but remains insufficient and well below the region’s potential,” according to a project summary.
Maine farmers have a long history of growing grains, such as corn, barley, oats and rye. However, most farmers use it as “side crop,” something to plant in rotation with their main crop, such as potatoes, according to Mallory.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced the grant award in a Thursday news release.
“The University of Maine’s innovative research strengthens our agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of Maine’s economy, and furthers Maine’s rich farming history,” the senators said in the joint statement. “This grant funding will play a crucial role in supporting Maine’s university system as it works to empower entrepreneurs, increase outreach, upgrade machinery and preserve Maine’s tradition of small and diversified farms and businesses.”
The funding comes from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, an agency within the USDA.
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