BUCKSPORT – Esther Lacognata of Topsham has been chosen FarmLink coordinator, succeeding Susie O’Keeffe, the program’s coordinator since its inception in 2002. Maine FarmLink, based in Bucksport, is a program of the Maine Farmland Trust, connecting retiring farmers, farmland owners and exiting farmers with experienced prospective farmers. FarmLink also helps farmers transfer their agricultural businesses within the family.

Lacognata has more than 30 years of experience in agricultural and rural issues in Maine. Most recently, she has worked as a community planning consultant, preparing comprehensive plans in a number of midcoast Maine towns. In the 1980s when she was director of the Bureau of Agricultural and Rural Resources of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Lacognata prepared a study and legislation to create Maine’s farmland preservation program which is currently part of the Land for Maine’s Future Program.

Upon learning of her appointment, Lacognata said, “I am just delighted to have the opportunity to continue to serve Maine farmers by helping them pass on their farms to the new generation. I know Maine people are united in supporting Maine agriculture and they understand the need to preserve farmland.” The evidence of this commitment, she continued, “can be found in every comprehensive plan which has among its top goals to preserve rural character and farmland.” Lacognata also has served a manager of Maine’s Coastal Program and a commissioner on the Land Use Regulation Commission.

As it enters its fourth year, Maine FarmLink has completed 19 links and has more than 70 farms ready for transfer to a next generation farmer. There are now 68 active farmland owners listed with FarmLink looking for experienced people to take over the land their family has had sometimes for generations. Some of these farmland owners are interested in lowering the price for prospective farmers by selling a conservation easement on their land. The Maine Farmland Trust works with other land trusts interested in buying the development rights. There are 177 prospective farmers on the list looking for farms.

“Maine Farmland Trust is fortunate to have someone with Esther Lacognata’s experience on board to direct its FarmLink program,” said Frank Miles of Cape Elizabeth, board president.

Maine Farmland Trust holds protective easements on 17 farms in 11 counties, totaling 2,480 acres of farmland. It has 12 easements pending which will result in another 1,856 acres of farmland preserved.

To obtain more information, call 469-6465, or e-mail info@mainefarmlandtrust.org.