For information about our current labs, visit the Maine Animal Health Lab and Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases websites.

Coming in 2017!

In November 2014, Maine voters approved an $8,000,000 bond referendum to support Maine agriculture, facilitate economic growth in natural resource based industries, and monitor human health threats related to ticks, mosquitoes, and bedbugs through the creation of a Plant, Animal, and Insect Laboratory administered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Explore the ways the new Plant, Animal, and Insect Laboratory will benefit Maine:

• Protecting the natural resource based economy
• Protecting food safety and human health
• Providing unique diagnostic and testing services for Maine’s future

Employment Opportunity: Assistant Extension Professor & Extension Plant Pathologist

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension invites applications for a full-time, fiscal-year, continuing contract eligible faculty appointment as Assistant Extension Professor – Extension Plant Pathologist, effective July 1, 2017.  This position will be housed at the University of Maine in Orono and will affiliate with the Maine Food & Agricultural Center on campus. This position will develop and conduct educational programs and applied research projects throughout the state with an emphasis on identifying, preventing and managing plant diseases. The agricultural industries in Maine which this position will address is comprised of small fruit, tree fruit, vegetable and grain producers, the ornamental horticulture industry, as well as clients involved in consumer horticulture. An Assistant Extension Professor works with other Extension faculty, advisory boards, and commodity associations to offer programs addressing the educational needs of Maine farmers, growers, and gardeners. See the full job description and application information.

Continue visiting this page for progress updates on the new lab.

Photos courtesy Edwin Remsberg, the U.S. FWS, and Griffin Dill