The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry is offering up to 90-percent cost-sharing for installation of drilled wells (up to $25,000), and water storage ponds (up to $50,000) through the Maine Farmers Drought Relief Fund. The fund offers financial assistance to farmers to install wells and water storage ponds throughout Maine. 

Funding is limited to water sources for cropland, according to DACF, in a news release. Field irrigation systems are not being funded by this program. Funding is not contingent on any federal conservation financial assistance programs.

A copy of the Request for Applications (RFA#  ARDFDRF2026) as well as any amendments and/or question-and-answer summaries can be obtained at the Maine Farmers Drought Relief Fund website.

Applications for 2026 are open as of January 5, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the online form linked in the RFA, and supplemental files must be emailed to Tom.Gordon@Maine.gov. Application submissions must be received no later than 5 p.m., local time on February 13, 2026. Applications not submitted following application instructions described in the RFA will not be considered for award.

The Department will conduct question-and-answer sessions via Zoom:

• January 12, 2026, from 1-2 PM  Register 
• January 16, 2026, from 9-10 AM Register