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CELEBRATING YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE, A CHECKLIST OF SPRING ACTIVITIES, IMPROVING LOCAL FOOD ACCESS, AND MUCH MORE!
CELEBRATING YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE, A CHECKLIST OF SPRING ACTIVITIES, IMPROVING LOCAL FOOD ACCESS, AND MUCH MORE!
Maine’s landscape is beginning its seasonal renewal — with the blustery days of winter receding, it’s time to look ahead at what’s so special about this time of year. Across Maine, the landscape is awakening, and our farmers are gearing up to provide the food and fiber that sustain us.
First, as the sap flows from our state’s numerous maple trees, and later, when rhubarb and crocuses push up through the soil, we will relish these early offerings. As we move toward summer when farmers’ markets and agricultural fairs are in full swing, we will celebrate the bounty and vast array of high-quality products our farmers produce for us year after year.
Even though our farmers may be more visible to us at certain times of the year, it’s important to remember that they are working hard on our behalf all year long—whether in the cold of winter, battling frozen pipes while caring for livestock, or the long days when harvest activities are at their peak. We can count on them to work until the job is done, no matter how challenging.
When I think of what resilience looks like, it is embodied by our farmers. It’s equal parts determination, innovation, hard work, and being there for one another when someone needs a hand. It’s facing every growing season with optimism in the face of the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead. And it’s getting up daily to farm because they love doing it.
Collaboration is essential in agriculture.
At the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), we recognize that our farmers can carry heavy burdens, balancing financial pressures, environmental shifts, and the ongoing responsibility of stewardship.
Whether farmers and producers are navigating the changing climate or working to bring Maine-grown, raised, and made products to market, DACF is here to collaborate and provide the support, including expert guidance and access to resources they need at every turn.
Some examples include DACF’s collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to host training, presentations, and workshops.
We are engaged with Maine Farmland Trust and Land for Good, which help connect farmers seeking land with those interested in selling or understanding more about farm succession planning.
Each January, DACF’s Maine Agricultural Trades Show provides a key opportunity for farmers to connect with consumers and industry leaders. DACF’s Real Maine is highly regarded as the official Maine agritourism resource, boasting hundreds of farms and an extensive database of products to purchase and places to experience.
DACF leads in climate resilience planning, offering technical assistance, research, and programs that help land stewards adapt while promoting soil health and economic sustainability. The new Maine Healthy Soils Program supports farmers in achieving their soil management goals.
The list of farmer and producer-focused resources led by or available through the DACF is lengthy; everyone is encouraged to learn more online.
Spring is the time for joy, renewal, and tradition—none more delicious than Maine Maple Sunday Weekend, when sugarhouses across the state open their doors to celebrate the sweetest seasonal harvest. Maine maple syrup is more than a breakfast staple—an emblem of resilience, craftsmanship, and local pride. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit a participating sugarhouse this season, connect with the producers who make this tradition possible, and take home some of the best maple products in the world.
Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is March 22 and 23, 2025, and you can find participating sugarhouses on the Maine Maple Producers website and Real Maine farms and products resource.
While saving that date, remember to search for and add Maine Dairy Month – June, Open Farm Day – July 28, Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend – August 3-4, and the Maine Cheese Festival – September 8, to name a few!
I hope you take advantage of the many ways to celebrate Maine agriculture in the coming months. To our farmers, we at DACF thank you for all you do and offer our best wishes for a productive and fulfilling season.
Amanda Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
In 2025, Maine is celebrating the Year of Youth in Agriculture, an initiative dedicated to inspiring and support ing the next generation of farmers, foresters, and agricultural leaders. This statewide effort will highlight the contributions of young people in shaping the future of Maine’s food systems, natural resource management, and rural economy. The initiative aims to ensure a strong and resilient agricultural future by fostering connections between young people, industry professionals, and communities. Read more news from Maine’s Department of Agriculture Conservation & Forestry: www.maine. gov/dacf/about/news.
It is a well-known rite of spring and tradition for many Maine families — making the trip to sugarhouses for Maine Maple Sunday® weekend. The event, the first of its kind in the nation, is in its 42nd year.
The 2025 edition of Maine Maple Sunday® weekend will be held March 22 and 23 at more than 100 sugarhouses statewide. Some sugarhouses will be open both days, while others may be open for one day. Be sure to visit and take in all the sights and smells of making maple syrup in Maine.
Among the sugarhouses open this year will be several Real Maine members. We want to spotlight a few of these members and what visitors can expect when they stop by on Maine Maple Sunday® weekend.
At Bob’s Sugarhouse in Dover-Foxcroft, you can experience:
• Evaporator demonstrations and discussions of sugaring
• A demonstration of tree-tapping, maple puzzles, and coloring pages for children
• Tasting free samples of a wide number of maple confections and products, including maple chocolates, maple popcorn, maple butter, and maple taffy (also known as “sugar on snow”)
At Sawyer’s Maple Farm in Jackman, you can experience:
• The process of making maple syrup, from tree to table
• An open house at their store
• Tasting free samples of a wide number of maple confections and products, including maple cotton candy, barbecue sauces, granola, and fudge
You can find a list of participating sugarhouses by visiting the Events page on the Maine Maple Producers Association website at mainemapleproducers.com.
• Each site is different — review schedules and hours of operation, complimentary or ticketed activities, etc. Before you head out, check for any changes — use local listings, webpages, social media, or call the business.
• Dress for the weather and the season — changing temperatures, melting or accumulating spring snow, and mud puddles are common.
• Follow farm rules; stay in visitor areas.
• Stick to established trails and roads.
Maine produces 575,000 gallons of maple syrup, the state’s official sweetener, each year
Maine is the third-leading maple syrup-producing state, behind Vermont and New York
Somerset County, Maine, is the top maple syrupproducing county in the U.S.
There are about 2 million maple tree taps in Maine, which is home to 450 producers licensed to sell maple products
The process of making sugar and syrup from the sap of the maple tree was developed by Native Americans of the Northeast and has remained relatively unchanged
It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup
There are many ways and places to buy pure Maine maple syrup and maple products throughout the year. Real Maine members are a great place to start your search — go to www.RealMaine.com. You can find Maine maple products at sugarhouses, farm stands, local grocery stores, and through Maine-based online retailers. And be sure to look for the Maine pure maple syrup “Official Sweetener of Maine” logo.
The Maine Maple Producers is always looking for new and creative recipes that utilize Maine Maple Syrup or Maple Sugar. Email your recipe to any of the Maine Maple Producers Association’s recipe committee members.
Include your name, recipe name, and favorite Maine maple memories!
Kristi Brannen: Kristi@mainemapleandhoney.com
Gail Tibbets: gailtbbtts@yahoo.com
Shelley Bacon: baconfarm@roadrunner.com
Whatare your favorite ways to enjoy Maine agriculture year-round? With a wide variety of farm product choices, and ways to support farms, every season offers something to celebrate! Real Maine offers a few ideas. Share some of your ideas with friends and family. If you’re looking to make a day of exploring agriculture, be sure to check out the trip planner tool on RealMaine.com!
CSA Sign Up Time — Later winter to early spring is ideal for your summertime produce or flower shares. If you prefer, consider offerings that pair with local businesses, subscription boxes, or pre-orders and delivery. Visit: bit.ly/RealMaineCSASearch.
Maine Maple Sunday® — On the fourth weekend in March, you can tour sugarhouses across the state as they invite visitors. If you miss this event, don’t worry! Many farmstands and sugarhouses sell pure Maine maple syrup you can enjoy every season. Visitmainemapleproducers.com/events/maine-maple-weekend.
National Agriculture Week — Celebrate your favorite farmers with us. Maine offers a variety of agriculture and quality farm products. Give a shout out to your favorite Maine farmers on social media, and use #MaineAgDay and #RealMaine. Seek local selections by visiting a market, farmstand, or finding a Maine choice at the grocery store.
Seedling Sales — There’s plenty of time from March to June to entrust farmers to start more than a few of your favorite seedings. The seedlings will benefit from a healthy start before transplanting into your backyard garden. Visit bit.ly/ RealMaineGreenhouseandGarden.
Attend the Maine Fiber Frolic Festival! Mark your calendar for the 2025 festival at the Windsor Fairgrounds on Rt. 32 in Windsor. This year’s festival is set for May 31-June 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Kick-Start Dairy Month this June! Look for Maine milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy goodness. Use RealMaine.com to find your favorite Maine dairy products to celebrate the arrival of summer!
It’s easy to search for farm products and experiences across Maine. Simply visit realmaine.com where you can search farms and more — or create a roadtrip of farms and businesses to explore. You can even share your itinerary with friends and family or on social media. And, if you’d like, you can print your customized trip plan to carry with you during your travels. Happy exploring!
1. Visit realmaine.com/itinerary
2. Select “View All Members” button to locate dozens of Real Maine members.
3. Narrow your choices – use any of these methods for easy filtering:
• Type keyword(s) or location in search fields. Optional: Select a distance. Click “Use My Location” for real-time location settings (requires location access on your browser or device).
• Click an icon for a pre-filtered assortment of business categories.
• Use the checkboxes to “Refine Your Search” by Activity (for example, PYO), Farm Products (for example, Fruit), Ways to Buy (for example, Retail, Farm Stand), etc. Locate “Refine Your Search” on the left side of a computer screen on a PC or the bottom of a mobile device screen.
4. Add a stop to your trip by clicking the add to my trip button on the member profile.
5. Click “View your trip” to see your curated list. You can adjust your list as desired.
6. Optional: Share with others, save or print.
Planning a day of sites?
You can add them to a trip itinerary and save, print or share it with others! It’s easy...
207 TAPPERS
125 DENNETT ROAD, BIDDEFORD
A WRINKLE IN THYME FARM
106 BLACK MOUNTAIN RD, SUMNER
BACON FARM MAPLE PRODUCTS
1427 POND ROAD, SIDNEY
BEAVER HILL PLANTATION
38 SIBLEY RD, FREEDOM
BOB’S SUGARHOUSE
252 EAST MAIN ST, DOVER-FOXCROFT
CHURCH’S SUGAR SHACK
5 LOOK LANE, COLUMBIA FALLS
DUNN FAMILY MAPLE 419 CHICOPEE RD, BUXTON
GRANDPA JOE’S SUGAR HOUSE 103 MURCH ROAD, EAST BALDWIN
HIGH ACRES MAPLE SYRUP AT OAK HILL FARM 14 HUSKY HAVEN, SOUTH HIRAM
HILLTOP BOILERS LLC 159 ELM STREET, NEWFIELD
MAPLE MOON FARM, LLC
289 CHICK RD, LEBANON
MAPLE RUSH SUGAR HOUSE 123 WEBSTER CORNER RD, SABATTUS
MAPLE VALLEY FARMS, INC. 1304 FRANKLIN RD, JAY
MERRIFIELD FARMS 195 NORTH GORHAM RD, GORHAM
MICHAUD FAMILY FARM
4 MICHAUD FARM RD, LYMAN
NORTHWOODS NECTAR 1426 SLY BROOK RD, EAGLE LAKE
NUTKIN KNOLL FARM AND SUGARWORKS
269 CHAPMAN RD, NEWBURGH
STRAWBERRY HILL FARMS
163 ROWE RD, SKOWHEGAN
Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company, a Section 17 federally chartered corporation owned by the Tribe, purchased 2,000 acres of wild blueberry barrens in 1981, the majority of which is now held as Tribal Trust Lands.
Until several years ago, they sold the entire harvest—averaging over 5 million pounds annually—to a large blueberry processor. In 2020, the company received a value-added producer grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, enabling it to sell some of its berries under the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company brand and protect it from raw berry price volatility.
out New England through Crown O’Maine, Native Maine, Sysco, and other distributors. The company sells to K-12 schools from Louisiana to California through the USDA Foods in Schools commodity program.
Each year, more than 100 harvesters, including Wabanaki tribal members, help handrake the fields. The portion of their crop they retain ownership of is used in creative ways across the country.
Passamaquoddy wild blueberries are sold to universities and other institutions through -
The company just developed and began selling freeze-dried blueberries, which are available at co-op grocery stores, on their website, and via wholesale. Real Maine members R A S Wines and Allagash Brewing Company use their berries to make wild blueberry wine. Since 80 acres of Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company’s blueberry barrens are MOFGA-certified organic, they also offer organic frozen berries in wholesale 30pound cases.
The profits from these new value-added products are disbursed to the Joint Tribal Council of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk (Indian Township) and Sipayik (Pleasant Point). The Passamaquoddy were among the first to harvest wild blueberries and have been doing so for more than 1,000 years, and the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company continues that work.
To learn more about Maine’s Local Foods Procurement Program, and how to help Maine’s state-funded institutions achieve farm-to-institution goals, reach out to Brittany Peats, Maine DACF Institutional Market Development Coordinator, at brittany.peats@maine.gov.
MaineAgriculture in the Classroom, which promotes the understanding of agriculture and natural resources among students, educators, and the public, is holding its Read ME Agriculture program from March 17 to 21 for Maine grades pre-K to 4.
This year’s book selection is “Farmer Eva's Green Garden Life,” about a real-life farmer from Massachusetts, written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, who grew up on a dairy farm in Maine, and illustrated by Christy Hale. Every classroom that participates will receive a copy of the book and accompanying educator’s guide, with aligned classroom activities.
To best serve the hundreds of classrooms that participate in Read ME Agriculture each year, the 2025 program will be a hybrid model where classrooms can choose from in-person and virtual options.
Maine Agriculture in the Classroom is funded by the Maine agricultural specialty license plate, grants, and private sponsors. To learn more, go to maine.agclassroom.org or email maitc@maine.gov.
Help food-insecure Mainers by contributing to the Maine Emergency Food Assistance Program Fund this tax season.
Give $1, $5, $10, $25, or more, and join the movement to help end hunger in communities throughout the state.
Every dollar helps local families in need.
To donate, when filling out your 1040 ME tax form, refer to Schedule CP (“Charitable Contributions and Purchase of Park Passes”), which lists different charitable contributions you can make; mark down how much you’d like to give the Maine Emergency Food Assistance Program Fund; then include that donation in the total on the line “Charitable Contributions and Park Passes” on the 1040 tax form.
Every donation to the fund is appreciated.
In2019, a small group of Waldo County farmers wanted to help small and mid-size farmers in their area increase their distribution opportunities and provide greater local food access to consumers.
Daybreak Growers Alliance was born and has grown since. The business now connects customers to food from more than 70 Maine farms and producers. Daybreak distributes food through three different channels — wholesale, food access, and its flagship program, farm boxes.
Based in Unity in a food hub building leased from Maine Farmland Trust, Daybreak’s distribution area encompasses central, mid-coast, and southern Maine.
Co-founder and owner Colleen Hanlon-Smith said the business was built off what was formerly Unity Food Hub and local CSAs.
“There were pieces of a platform that were very similar that coalesced,” Hanlon-Smith said. “Farmers were interested in keeping the momentum going and solidifying a business where we work collaboratively that provided a foundation.”
More than 200 unique products, including vegetables, fruit, meats, eggs, cheese, yogurt, bread, and other farm products, are included in Daybreak Boxes weekly. Customers pick up their boxes at one of 26 sites, which range from local libraries and breweries to homes of volunteers, from “Scarborough to Waterville to Belfast.”
Last summer, Daybreak Box subscriptions peaked at nearly 850. Hanlon-Smith said the COVID-19 pandemic helped accelerate the box program, which has maintained that level of subscriptions since. Hanlon-Smith, along with co-founder and owner Adrienne Lee, said Daybreak has a “high bar for quality” for the boxes, and the business attempts to source organic products as much as possible.
“We want to provide a full diet, year-round, for customers,” Hanlon-Smith said. “We take on the onus to offer that quality for each individual customer. We take it seriously.”
Daybreak Box subscribers can customize their boxes each week, which, according to Lee, provides a “real, true online shopping experience.” Farmers send Daybreak what they have for availability a week prior. Customers then have two to three days to see what is available and outline what produce and products they’d like in the box for that week. Fresh produce is delivered twice a week to Daybreak’s headquarters in Unity.
Daybreak has a group of staffers that Lee and HanlonSmith described as “small but mighty” and “amazing and experienced” who provide help in many ways, including delivering boxes to sites three to four days a week, managing relationships with vendors, ordering, and providing customer service.
Lee said all the logistics are “worth the effort” to provide customers with a “grocery-type experience.”
“Our customers are happy and we feel the box program represents local food well,” Hanlon-Smith said.
Daybreak purchased more than $1.3 million worth of products from Maine farms and food producers in 2024. Last year, Daybreak members and customers ate more than 25,000 pounds of local apples, more than 21,000 pounds of local potatoes, more than 14,000 pounds of local tomatoes, more than 2,100 pounds of local lettuce, and 1,170 pounds of local tofu.
The food access part of Daybreak’s business has also grown. Last year, Daybreak distributed $280,000 of Maine-grown produce to more than 100 hunger relief organizations statewide.
When asked what they’ve seen as trends or changes in Maine’s local food system, not just in the time that Daybreak has existed but also in the several years that Lee and Hanlon-Smith have been farmers and involved in local food-access organizations, they said there is much to be positive about.
Both Lee and Hanlon-Smith have seen a strong uptick in consumers’ appetite for local food and products and a growing local community of farmers and producers.
“Adrienne and I got going in agriculture in Maine around the same time. What I’ve seen that stands out most clearly is when I started this work and was really compelled to do so, farmer connections were needed,” Hanlon-Smith said. “As we fast forward to today, Maine has a pretty healthy food system.”
Hanlon-Smith did outline some challenges in the marketplace, including labor shortages and farmland access, and said Daybreak and their vendors and partners are navigating those challenges to meet the increased demand.
“As a vegetable farmer in Waldo County, looking back at 2019, when we were trying to find a way to improve access to customers, my fellow farmers and I are now seeing more of those opportunities, especially in the wholesale marketplace,” Lee said.
Lee also pointed out that she sees higher demand for local food at retail establishments and restaurants, along with more equality for those who can access local food.
Members of the public can sign up year-round to receive weekly boxes from Daybreak Growers Alliance. The business also has a rolling acceptance for vendors and is always looking to work with anyone who is willing to start a new pickup site for Daybreak Boxes. You can learn more about Daybreak Growers Alliance by going to www.daybreakgrowersalliance.com.
Real Maine would like to highlight two programs this spring that connect older adults with food.
• Springfield – June 12-15
• Pittston – June 19-22
• Monmouth – June 25-28
• Ossipee Valley –July 10-13
• Houlton – July 11-13
• North Waterford –July 18-20
• Bangor – July 24-Aug. 2
• Northern Maine –July 26-Aug. 3
• Union – July 30-Aug. 3
• Topsham – Aug. 3-9
• Skowhegan – Aug. 7-16
• Acton – Aug. 21-24
• Piscataquis – Aug. 21-24
• Washington County –Aug. 23-24
• Windsor – Aug.23-Sept. 1
• Blue Hill – Aug.28-Sept. 1
• Harmony – Aug.29-Sept. 1
• Clinton – Sept. 4-7
• Litchfield – Sept. 5-7
• Oxford – Sept.10-13
• New Portland – Sept. 12-14
• Farmington – Sept. 14-20
• Common Ground –Sept. 19-21
• Cumberland – Sept. 21-27
• Fryeburg –Sept. 28-Oct. 5
Note: The above listed schedule reflects the dates of each agricultural fair license.
Maine Senior FarmShare (MSFP) provides incomeeligible older adults the opportunity to receive a share (worth $50) of local fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, and honey at no cost from Maine farmers during the growing season.
To participate, a person must be a Maine resident, 60 years old or older (or 55 years old or older for Native Americans or 18 years old or older for disabled adults living in senior housing with a cafeteria), and meet income guidelines.
More than 100 farms in Maine, distributed across all 16 counties, are authorized to participate in MSFP. Some Maine farmers’ markets will allow older adults to sign up for MSFP.
Sign-up for MSFP begins each year in April. Older adults can contact an authorized farm or participating farmers’ market to enroll. Participants must reenroll yearly and may only sign up with one farm or farmers’ market per year. Shares are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to note when your farm or farmers’ market closes for the season so that you can use your full share.
To learn more, visit www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/ food-assistance/farmshare, call (207) 287-3491, or
email SeniorFarmShare.AGR@maine.gov. Older adults can also call their local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides income-eligible Mainers aged 60 and older with a monthly box of shelf-stable foods. The federal program works to improve the health of older adults by supplementing their diets with nutritious U.S. Department of Agriculture foods.
Food packages include a variety of foods, such as milk, cheese, juice, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry, or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables.
Maine increased its income eligibility for CSFP from 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines to 150 percent at the beginning of the year.
Visit www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/food-assistance/ supplemental-food.shtml to learn where to apply and connect to a CSFP pickup location.
These projects have been funded at least in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
