An update to the original 2011 publication, this guide is a resource for municipal officials, local advocates, and community members who are looking for inspiration, ideas, and resources on how their community can sustain and grow local agriculture.

This updated guide provides information on the many benefits that farms and farmland create for communities and the challenges that are facing Maine agriculture, general guidance on a wide range of farm-friendly municipal policy tools and planning strategies, and case studies and examples of how towns across Maine and New England are taking action to support farms and protect farmland in their communities.

MFT produced the Second Edition of this guide in 2024 in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The original 2011 guide was produced by Maine Farmland Trust, American Farmland Trust, and the Mainewatch Institute. The Second Edition is the result of insights and contributions from numerous town officials, farmers, partner organizations, and other municipal and agricultural stakeholders across the state and region.