Rows of fresh, green lettuce. Submitted photo

Apples were once a staple of many orchards in Maine. Submitted photo

ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a seven-session online course for aspiring farmers starting March 29. The class meets from 5:30–7:30 p.m. twice per week through April 22. Individual consultations will be scheduled April 26 and April 29.

“So You Want to Farm in Maine?” is designed for those wanting to start or expand to a profitable farm operation. Topics include starting a land-based business, business planning and record-keeping, marketing and available resources. Instructors include UMaine Extension educators and guest experts. Successful course completion qualifies participants for USDA Farm Service Agency Borrower Training credit.

The sliding-scale fee is $50–$150 per person; registration is limited to 40 participants. Register on the program webpage at https://extension.umaine.edu/register/product/so-you-want-to-farm-in-maine-2021/. The required text, “Building a Sustainable Business” by SARE, is available for free download. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Melissa Freeman, 207.353.5550; melissa.freeman@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension helps support, sustain and grow the food-based economy. It is the only entity in our state that touches every aspect of the Maine Food System, where policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food security and safety are integral and interrelated. UMaine Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H.