Other

Journeyperson Program

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)

What you can get

$200 education stipend plus MOFGA-paid mentorship (in-kind value) • Two-year beginning-farmer business support package rather than a cash grant. Year 1: a $200 educational stipend for classes, workshops, conferences, or books. Year 2: paid mentorship, where MOFGA compensates a mentor of the participant's choosing. Also includes supplier discounts (FEDCO, Organic Growers Supply, Johnny's Selected Seeds), free access to shared farm equipment, free technical advice from MOFGA Agricultural Services staff, business planning help, farm visits, and free admission to MOFGA events.

Readiness: Ready to apply
Who can apply: producer, Beginning farmers and farmworkers with at least two years of farming experience including one calendar year of commercial farm work in Maine, committed to staying and farming in Maine using sustainable or organic practices; nonprofit employed farmers and homesteaders are excluded.
Coverage: ME
Deadline & timing: Due January 31, 2027. Applications are due each year on January 31; the next deadline is January 31, 2027. Applicants need at least two years of farming experience, including at least one calendar year of commercial farm work in Maine. Qualifying applicants are contacted for an interview. Benefits include a $200 first-year educational stipend and a paid mentor in year two.
Eligibility: Beginning farmers and farmworkers with at least two years of farm experience including one calendar year of commercial farm work in Maine, committed to continuing farming in Maine and sustainable practices. Farmers employed by nonprofits, homesteaders, and farms whose main product is a federally controlled substance do not qualify.

beginning farmerorganic transition

Visit official program

Optional expert service · $249

Turn program research into an application package.

An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.

Last verified Oct 3, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.

Plan your next step

Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.

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Journeyperson Program

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)

What you can get

Readiness

Ready to apply

Who can apply

producer, Beginning farmers and farmworkers with at least two years of farming experience including one calendar year of commercial farm work in Maine, committed to staying and farming in Maine using sustainable or organic practices; nonprofit employed farmers and homesteaders are excluded.

Coverage

Deadline & timing

Due January 31, 2027. Applications are due each year on January 31; the next deadline is January 31, 2027. Applicants need at least two years of farming experience, including at least one calendar year of commercial farm work in Maine. Qualifying applicants are contacted for an interview. Benefits include a $200 first-year educational stipend and a paid mentor in year two.

Eligibility