The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revoked a significant five-year, $35 million climate-smart agriculture grant initially awarded to a demonstration farm in Freeport. This decision affects the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment, which learned last week that the grant was rescinded due to overhead costs exceeding new guidelines established by the Trump administration.
The USDA’s recent announcement indicates the cancellation of most projects under the $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, labeling it as a leftover from the Biden administration aimed at benefiting non-governmental organizations. The Wolfe’s Neck project specifically failed to comply with a requirement to allocate at least 65% of its funding directly to farmers.
Despite these setbacks, the center maintained that its spending indirectly supported farmers by facilitating crucial agricultural transitions and advancements in technical assistance, soil analysis, and technological development. The program was pivotal in equipping and training staff across 400 U.S. farms to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices, enrolling 75 farms, including several in Maine.
The center committed 40% of its funds to aid historically underserved farmers, offering resources in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. However, preparation for grant termination began weeks ago, prompting furlough plans for 25% of staff if funding remained frozen.
The USDA has introduced a new Advancing Markets for Producers program to replace the initial initiative, retaining the 65% direct funding requirement. Wolfe’s Neck Center is currently assessing this new opportunity. Recently, the center expressed its challenges and hope for continuation in an online blog post, emphasizing ongoing dedication despite setbacks.
The USDA has promised to honor qualified expenses from the climate-smart program incurred before April 13. It reported widespread adoption of climate-smart practices, such as cover cropping and manure management, across 3.2 million acres nationwide. USDA Commissioner Brooke Rollins highlighted excessive administrative costs in prior projects and emphasized prioritizing direct farmer support in the new program to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
In Maine, the cancellation also impacts the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), which was set to receive $150,000 to promote sustainable farming practices. This funding withdrawal follows a determination that the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, the funding umbrella, did not meet the direct payment threshold. MOFGA planned to use the funds for various initiatives to support environmentally friendly practices and market access, and is appealing the decision.