Programs

Agricultural Compliance Program investigates and resolves complaints from the public concerning farms, farm operations, or agricultural composters that involve threats to human or animal health and safety, and to the environment.

Animal Health Program aims to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases among poultry and livestock, to promote public health and food safety as it relates to zoonotic disease, to enhance the quality and health of livestock, and to maintain fair practices in the buying and selling of poultry and livestock.

Animal Welfare Program ensures humane and proper treatment of animals by developing, implementing and administering a comprehensive program that upholds the animal welfare laws of Maine through communication, education and enforcement.

Apiary (Beekeeping) Program prevents the introduction and/or spread of regulated honey bee diseases, parasites, and undesirable genetic material in resident and migratory honey bee colonies, as well as encourage and maintain interstate movement of honey bees for crop pollination and honey production.

Arborist Program licenses arborists, processes complaints about licensed arborists and people performing arboriculture work without a license, and assists the public in hiring licensed arborists by providing arborist contact information.

Board of Pesticides Control is Maine's lead agency for pesticides oversight. Policy decisions are made by a seven-member, public board, whose members are nominated by the Governor and approved by the Legislature.

Compost Program encourages an environmentally-sound approach to managing organic wastes and for returning stabilized nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Department staff participates on the Maine Compost Team and sponsors the internationally recognized Maine Compost School.

Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) is a national pest detection program critical for safeguarding our nation's agricultural and natural resources. It relies on surveys and outreach of exotic and invasive plant pests to provide an early warning system for managing or eradicating serious pests of concern.

Ginseng Certification Program facilitates the export of American ginseng while meeting the requirements of the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Horticulture Program licenses and inspects businesses selling plants, certifies plant exports, regulates imported plants, and assists growers with plant pest problems.

Hemp Program licenses individuals who grow hemp. Staff perform inspections to ensure compliance with hemp laws and rules.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program promotes and facilitates best management practices that minimize reliance on pesticides. The IPM program provides leadership and technical expertise to farms and communities through education, demonstration and outreach activities.

Nutrient Management Program oversees the proper storage, management and utilization of farm nutrients through the development of Nutrient Management Plans, Livestock Operations Permits, and monitoring of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Staff conduct an educational outreach program, coordinate enforcement actions, and respond to municipalities and others regarding Right-to-Farm matters.

Seed Potato Certification Program certifies seed potatoes to control the level of regulated pests in Maine's potato industry.