"Each of these projects is important to sustaining and enhancing Maine's agriculture industry, which is a vital component of the state's economy," said Senator Collins. "I am particularly pleased that the bill enhances Aroostook County's access to federal economic enhancement funding."
The funding is as follows:
• $450,000 for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, Potato Integrated Pest Management Late Blight program. The purpose of this program is to provide Maine potato growers with current information on specific and timely treatments in order to minimize the number of pesticide applications and maximize potato yield. This early disease identification program has provided more than $17 million in savings during the 2007 crop year.
• $700,000 for the Maine Department of Agriculture for Maine Cattle Health Assurance Program. The Maine Cattle Health Assurance Program, started in 2001 with private grant funding and expanded in 2003 with USDA/APHIS Johne's Disease Cooperative Agreement money, is a cooperative effort of State and private veterinarians, Extension dairy and livestock specialists, dairy, beef and livestock producers, and dairy processors and producers. The goals of the program are: (1) Education : workshops, continuing education for producers and veterinarians; (2) On-farm risk assessments and veterinary visits to help identify factors that may be adversely affecting production and profitability of the farm; and (3) Disease screening, pathogen detection, disease control programs.
• $499,000 for the Aroostook Empowerment Zone. The goal of the Empowerment Zone in Aroostook County is to stem the tide of out-migration by providing additional training and economic opportunities. This funding will provide applicants with additional grant funding, and the Northern Maine Development Commission with funds for economic development projects.
• $200,000 for the University of Maine, Sustainable Production and Processing Research for Lowbush Specialty Crops Funding will go toward research into how Maine's blueberry farmers can maximize their crops, produce higher quality crops and minimize reliance on pesticides.
• $295,000 for New England Invasive Plant Center. This is a joint project with the Universities of Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine. The Northeast Center for Invasive Plants researches the origins of invasive species plants and aims to minimize their effect on natural plants and habitat.
• $2.249 million for USDA-ARS New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory, Maine The USDA-ARS New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory in Orono and Presque Isle, Maine, is the only USDA-ARS laboratory located in New England. The Lab performs critical research on cropping systems, management practices, the efficient use of nutrients and water, and the control of pathogens, insects, and weeds. Specifically, the laboratory conducts experiments to address the unique challenges that face potato growers both in the region and across the Nation.