Maine Farmland Trust, Maine’s only organization committed exclusively to farmland protection, has announced the launching of a new Web site for its FarmLink program, www.mainefarmlink.org.

Maine FarmLink connects retiring farmers, farmland owners and exiting farmers with experienced, prospective farmers. FarmLink also helps farmers transfer their agricultural businesses and lands within the family.

“The Web page offers farmers easy access to needed resources that we often give over the phone or through the mail,” said FarmLink coordinator Susie O’Keeffe.

In addition to finding application forms and general information about the program, farmers can access information on farm transfer and retirement services including estate planning, financing, grants and loans, tenure options and business planning. People who are using FarmLink to find new farmland in Maine may access the program’s farm list on the Web page.

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.

Once applicants enter the program, FarmLink facilitates the connection between the exiting farmers and prospective farmers and helps both parties access the support and information they need to successfully transfer the farm. The service is free to farm owners. There is a $25 yearly fee for prospective farmers.

More information about FarmLink is available through Maine Farmland Trust’s office at 469-6465 or 338-6575, or at www.mainefarmlink.org.

“Our Web site is not intended to replace the work we do face-to-face and on the phone with farmers,” O’Keeffe explained. “But it will help more farmers access the essential information they need to get started finding or transferring a farm.”