USDA Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Lobstermen

TAA for Maine Lobstermen

UPDATE: September 21, 2011: Workshops for TAA participants will resume in October and November, for those who still need to complete their 12 hours of workshop time as part of Phase II of the program. The Fall workshop schedule is below, and can be downloaded by clicking HERE. RSVP's are strongly encouraged: Space is limited. Please RSVP for each workshop by calling Sea Grant at 207-563-3146 x205, MLA at 207-967-4555 or email lobsterrsvp@gmail.com. Additional workshops will be offered throughout the winter – to learn more, contact either Sea Grant or MLA.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Changing Business Models Workshop
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME

Thursday, October 6, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Alternative Enterprises Workshop
Ellsworth City Hall
1 City Hall Plaza
Ellsworth, ME

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 5:00 -8:00 pm
Developing Your Business Plan Workshop
University of Maine Machias, Science 102
US Route 1
Machias, ME

Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Developing Your Business Plan Workshop
Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium
1 City Hall Plaza
Ellsworth, ME

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Developing Your Business Plan Workshop
The Lincoln Street Center
24 Lincoln Street
Rockland, ME

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Changing Business Models Workshop
The Lincoln Street Center
24 Lincoln Street
Rockland, ME

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lobster Market Overview Workshop
University of Maine Machias , Science 102
US Route 1
Machias, ME

Thursday, November 3, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lobster Market Overview Workshop
Ellsworth City Hall
1 City Hall Plaza
Ellsworth, ME

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Alternative Enterprises Workshop
University of Maine Machias, Science 102
US Route 1
Machias, ME

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Alternative Enterprises Workshop
The Lincoln Street Center
24 Lincoln Street
Rockland, ME

Thursday, November 10, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lobster Market Overview
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Marketing and Branding Workshop
Ellsworth Library
20 State Street
Ellsworth, ME

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Alternative Enterprises Workshop
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lobster Market Overview
The Lincoln Street Center
24 Lincoln Street
Rockland, ME

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Developing your Business Plan Workshop
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Marketing and Branding Workshop
University of Maine Machias, Science 102
US Route 1
Machias, ME

Update, September 15, 2011

TAA Payments to the Maine Lobster Industry are Under Way

Payments to TAA participants have finally started, for those who have completed Phases 3 and/or 4 of the TAA program. Participants should check their bank statements, as payments are direct-deposited.

Initial payments will be approximately $971.00, and payment for completion of Phase 4, the in-depth business plan, will be approximately $1942.00. These amounts are smaller than the earlier projections, as extra funds were held back initially to cover applicant travel costs. It is likely that a third payment will be forthcoming for those who complete all phases of the program, after the end of the present TAA period, in September of 2013.

While the drop in payments is disappointing and frustrating for all involved here on the ground in Maine, please remember that the TAA program was primarily designed for the training and business developments first, with the financial assistance offered secondarily. Non-TAA participants can access all the educational workshop materials as well, at: http://www.taaforfarmers.org/Courses.aspx

Click HERE for a letter from the USDA, explaining the reduction in payments and the reasons why.

Background on the USDA Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program (TAA) of the US Dept. of Agriculture is a training and financial assistance effort, designed to help agriculture and fisheries producers who have experienced revenue decreases, and negative impacts from foreign imports. In 2010, applications to the TAA program were made on behalf of lobstermen in ME, NH, MA, RI and CT; these applications were approved in late September, enabling lobster licenseholders in these states to enroll in the program.

Over 2600 fishermen, spouses and sternmen were entered into the program in Maine alone, and orientations were completed as of March 23, 2011.

Workshops are currently being held, as listed above. Lobstermen should RSVP to attend one of the scheduled meetings, and should arrive 30 minutes early to complete registration. To RSVP, provide full name, town, phone number, email, and date and location of the meeting being attended. Please RSVP only once to: LobsterRSVP@gmail.com or by calling one of the following contacts:

April Gilmore, Maine Lobstermen's Association, 207.207.967.4555

Dana Morse, Maine Sea Grant/University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 207.563.3146 x205

A list of supporting documents is listed below:

- Program Announcement, describing lobsters in ME, NH, MA, RI and CT as qualifying for TAA

- Lobsterman application form 229-1

- Descriptive Brochure of the TAA Program

- Overview of TAA program as it applies to farmers and fishermen (power point)

- Overview of TAA program as it applies to farmers and fishermen (PDF version)

- List of Frequently Asked Questions

- Instructions on how to create an account on the TAA website, and complete Orientation on line

Maine Farm Service Agency County Offices:

Cumberland/York County
306 US Route 1, Scarborough
207-883-0159 ext 2