The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has opened applications for the Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP) on Friday, August 14, 2026. 

Maine farmers, forestry businesses, aquaculture producers, and other eligible producers who experienced weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024 may qualify for financial assistance, according to DACF, in a news release. 

Eligible losses may include crop loss, aquaculture loss, standing timber loss, harvested timber loss, on-farm and forestry infrastructure loss, and bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss. 

Application period: August 14, 2026, through November 6, 2026. 

Applications will be accepted through the online portal. Paper applications are available upon request. 

Producers can prepare now. Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering documentation, including: 

• Ownership or lease documentation 

• Parcel ID information 

• FSA Farm Number, if applicable 

• Tax or business identification information 

• Photos or records documenting damage 

• Other records related to weather-related losses in 2023 and/or 2024 

DACF will provide technical assistance throughout the application period. Virtual office hours will be held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning August 14. 

For updates, eligibility information, and application details, visit maine.gov/dacf/nrdrap, email NRDRA@maine.gov, or call (207) 530-3144.