farmers

Those attending the rally, organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and other groups, said the funding cuts, contract suspensions and other changes are especially challenging for small farms.

Those who have signed agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture are nervously awaiting word on whether they will get their promised funds, or be on the hook for thousands of dollars of projects that are already well underway.

The proposed regulations are intended to protect valuable farmland but solar power developers worry it will set back Maine's clean energy goals.

Under regulations drafted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, developers would have to assess if their project was on high value agricultural soil. They would then need to pay compensation to offset the cost of losing access to the land.

A discussion was held about what it takes to run a farm, the success rate for those new to the business, and why some are looking for a connection with…