Jackson, Carpenter call for continued support for Maine farmers

AUGUSTA – Earlier today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it would now be accepting for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance applications for agricultural businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The program was expanded to include agricultural businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The SBA program includes a $10,000 grant that does not need to be paid back.

Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and Sen. Mike Carpenter, D-Houlton, released the following statements lauding the expansion of the program and calling for continued support for Maine farmers.

President Jackson:

“Our farmers have shown incredible tenacity adapting to new technologies, embracing new markets and overcoming economic downturns. As Mainers struggle to put food on the table during this crisis, farms have stepped up to feed their neighbors. With the demand for produce, dairy, meat and grains down from restaurants, many farms are struggling. They deserve our support to help weather the storm. It only makes sense that programs designed for other small businesses would be available to Maine food producers and agricultural businesses.”

Sen. Carpenter:

“Maine’s agricultural businesses have powered our communities and local economies for generations, especially in Aroostook County. We need to make sure our farms don’t get left behind during this crisis. The expansion of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to Maine’s small agricultural businesses is a step in the right direction.”

The loan application is available here.

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