Investments in Maine Dairy Cow Farms and Enterprises

The Dairy Improvement Fund (DIF) is a new revolving loan program to help Maine dairy farms and enterprises fund capital improvements to maintain and enhance the viability of their farms.

The DIF program will assist farms that are engaged in the commercial production of cow milk or cow milk products. It was developed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and is administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). The program will operate in accordance with three core principles to:

1. Provide financial support for sound business propositions
2. Offer funds at reasonable rates and terms
3. Partner with private sector equity

More about the program can be found on both DACF’s website and on FAME’s website, which provides the Department’s Eligibility Form and FAME’s Loan Application. The DACF and FAME will host an informational meeting for all dairy farms interested in learning more about this investment opportunity.

Dairy Improvement Fund Informational Meeting

Date & Time: Thursday, June 14th, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Location: Marquardt Building (Room 118), 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta Presenters: Ron Dyer, Director of the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources; Roxanne Broughton, Commercial Loan Officer at FAME

An overview of both the eligibility and application procedures will be provided, with time for Q&A for prospective applicants.