Maine Farmers Received New Agritourism Grant Access
Maine farmers and ranchers can now apply for grants up to $10,000 to expand agritourism projects like farm stays.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you believe agritourism is a viable strategy for farmers to increase their annual household income?
Airbnb and the American Farmland Trust have launched the Farm to Stay grant program to help farmers renovate their properties and host overnight guests. This funding initiative arrives as Maine ranks among the top 10 states for farm-based agritourism participation.
Why it matters
The program supports farm revenue diversification by providing capital for producers to expand their hospitality and experiential offerings. As agritourism grows in Maine, these funds offer a new pathway for farms to sustain operations through visitor engagement.
A report on the new Farm to Stay grant program indicates it offers up to $10,000 for agritourism infrastructure. Data shows Maine farm-stay host earnings have more than doubled since 2018, though the specific criteria for project selection have not yet been defined.
The players
Airbnb
An online platform for lodging and tourism experiences that is co-launching the grant initiative.
American Farmland Trust
A national organization dedicated to protecting farmland and supporting the economic viability of agricultural operations.
Ten Apple Farm
A working farm located in Gray that currently provides public agritourism experiences including guided goat hikes.
The details
The grant program provides targeted funding for farmers to renovate existing structures or prepare new spaces to house overnight guests. By lowering the financial barrier to entry, the initiative aims to help producers launch immersive experiences, similar to existing local examples like the guided goat hikes at Ten Apple Farm in Gray.
Timeline
2018 was the baseline year for Maine farm host earnings growth.
2025 was the year typical Maine farm-stay host earnings reached $6,500.
Health Landscape
The grant program aligns with the ongoing expansion of farm-based agritourism in Maine, which has seen host earnings more than double since 2018. This initiative represents a formalization of support for an agricultural sector that now ranks among the top 10 nationally for such engagement.
Engaging with local agritourism provides opportunities for increased physical activity and deeper connection with food production sources. Residents interested in supporting these farm experiences should monitor the program for upcoming project opportunities in their area.
The takeaway
The Farm to Stay program provides a new financial resource for Maine farmers looking to expand their agritourism and visitor-facing businesses. Interested operators should discuss property requirements with their local agricultural extension agents to prepare for grant applications.
Further reading
For more on the economic and social benefits of farm-based initiatives, explore the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mainebiz.
Live Poll
Do you believe agritourism is a viable strategy for farmers to increase their annual household income?
