In the fall of 2007, Pan Atlantic SMS Group of Portland, Maine, was hired to conduct an evaluation assessing the impact of the FFF program. The results were overwhelmingly positive. Farms for the Future has been successful in improving farm economic viability while at the same time protecting Maine’s working farmland.

FFF farms have created jobs for total of 71 new farm employees, with an additional 59 expected in the next 3 years. Furthermore, FFF farmers report that gross sales have increased by an average of $39,000, or 37.3%, per farm, between the time of their FFF implementation grant award (2001-2006) and December 2006.

The majority of FFF farmers reported that their net profits, production, and efficiency have increased due to participation in the program. More than half of all farmers surveyed reported that they have entered new markets, developed new products and have incorporated new technologies as a result of being in the program.

The evaluation revealed that the leverage of state funds is a factor of 5 to 1: FFF farmers have invested $7.74 million beyond the $1.57 million awarded in FFF grants. Meanwhile, approximately 18,000 acres of farmland have been protected from development for at least 5 years - a condition of receiving a FFF grant.

Access the full text of the evaluation here.

Read a February 28, 2008 Bangor Daily News article on the impact of Farms for the Future.