Maine Ag_Winter in Maine 2020

Winter in Maine

THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE

Winter FARMERS’ MARKETS

Unwrap the BEST MAINE GIFTS to give this season COOK UP tasty recipes featuring winter veggies And DISCOVER MUCH MORE inside!

Inside:

A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Morning Sentinel • Kennebec Journal • Sun Journal Times Record • Portland Press Herald • Bangor Daily News

The Maine Ag Trades Show is Going Online!

January 19-23, 2021

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

The Maine Agricultural Trades Show is Going Online!

Join us January 19 - 23, 2021

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is preparing for the first virtual Maine Agricultural Trades Show. We are determined not to let the coronavirus cause a cancellation. This annual event typically draws thousands of Mainers. They arrive to source new products, meet and network with friends and colleagues, participate in yearly recertifications, conduct meetings, and much, much more. You’ll find preliminary virtual trade show plans on the pages that follow. Our staff goes above and beyond to bring the event to life each year, and this year is no exception. I applaud everyone from DACF and all the stakeholders contributing to making this year a significant success. I hope you will familiarize yourself with the event activities and help spread the word to others about this year’s plans.

Tour Reveals Bright Spots and Challenges for Maine Farming Recently, Nancy McBrady, Bureau Director, Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, and Claire Eaton, Director, Natural Resource Markets & Economic Development, and I ventured north to visit farmers in Aroostook County. We went to tour eight different operations, ranging from small, diversified farms to shining new processing facilities. Each visit allowed the opportunity to engage with growers and producers to understand how the events of 2020 are directly impacting their businesses. We also met with staff and colleagues from the Maine Potato Board and Maine Farmers Exchange to discuss production trends, market challenges, community needs, and support and collaboration opportunities.

The devastating drought conditions that impacted Maine farms this summer dramatically decreased production across the state, and farmers in Aroostook County were among the hardest hit. Many farmers faced significant irrigation challenges, including severe water shortages and equipment limitations. They worked hard to balance sustainable water management practices with the need for increased usage through the summer months.

Drought conditions compounded the uncertainty faced by farmers due to supply chain disruptions and changes in markets and consumer purchasing behavior driven by COVID-19. The experience of growers and processors underscores the importance of federal and state relief programs.

Despite a barrage of production, market, and labor challenges, Maine farmers remain incredibly resilient. Growers and processors have faced many hurdles in the last few months. Yet, they continue to innovate, produce high quality food, fiber, flowers, forestry products, and other goods and services provided by agriculture, and push through countless disruptions to maintain Maine’s food supply. In many cases, farmers are actively expanding, streamlining, and reimagining the way they do business. Whether through leveraging the latest research on crop rotation to maximize water holding capacity and irrigation

efficiency or investing in targeted automation to bridge labor gaps, an astounding amount of creativity is being channeled. The enduring ability of farmers to adapt to change is a benefit to the entire region. This is further evidenced in how the agricultural community is planning for the future. Concerted efforts to stimulate interest in agriculture and attract more young people to farming and support services have resulted in robust program and curriculum development at local universities. These programs represent a proactive response to the labor shortages and succession challenges faced by farms. Word in the County is that more and more young people are choosing to stay or return to their hometowns and continue the legacy of family farming handed down through generations. There is much hope and great opportunity in Maine’s farming communities, and, despite challenging times, the future is bright.

From Southern Maine to the northernmost towns in the County, life goes on. The sun keeps rising with each new day, and, come drought or disease, farmers keep farming, and they keep feeding us. DACF would like to thank the agricultural community on behalf of all Mainers for the tireless effort, compassion for neighbors in need, and fortitude demonstrated in the face of one of the most challenging years in recent history. Mainers can support local farmers by being mindful of purchasing decisions and buying Maine products whenever possible. Farmers were there for us when we needed them. Let’s be there for them now.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Amanda Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 03

Shipping Greens this Holiday With the arrival of cooler fall weather, now is the time to start thinking about the approaching holiday season. For many in Maine, holiday celebrations are not complete without decorating with Maine grown wreaths, trees and other decorative plant material, a tradition that we love to share with our friends and family across the country and the world. However, if you plan to send wreaths to family and friends out-of-state, it’s important to follow a few rules. Doing so will help prevent the spread of plant pests, avoid shipping delays, and avoid the possible destruction of the plant material upon arrival at its destination.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Horticulture Program has this advice for Mainers shipping wreaths and other decorative plant material out of state: • Carefully inspect plant material before packaging to ensure freedom from insects, egg masses or other pest damage.

• Clearly label packages containing holiday plant material. Begin with the statement “Grown in Maine” followed by the county of origin and the name and address of the shipper.

• Labels should also indicate the different types of greenery, nuts, fruits and cones used to decorate the wreaths.

• Import regulations can vary from state to state; be sure to check the state regulations for the destination before sending plant material. A summary of plant health regulations relevant to holiday decorations is online: www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture.

• Mailing plant material internationally is more complicated; contact the Horticulture Program for further guidance before attempting to send plant material out of the U.S.

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Help Find Signs of

Spotted Lanternfly this Winter

2020 Obsolete Pesticide Program The Board of Pesticides Control and the Department of Environmental Protection work together to offer an annual collection program for unusable and unwanted pesticides. This year’s obsolete pesticide collection program had the largest number of participants since 1997. A total of 129 Maine residents volunteered a total of 5,245 pounds of unwanted pesticides. These materials have been diverted from our local landfills. We urge Mainers to take part in this free annual program that gives everyone an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment and public health.

Mainers may sign up at any time throughout the year for the collection which occurs every October in four locations throughout the state. For more details and to fill out your registration form please visit the Board of Pesticide Control obsolete pesticide collection webpage at www.maine.gov/dacf/php/pesticides/public.

New Signs Warn of Dangers of Out-of-State Firewood The installation of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) high-visibility road signage is underway. The sign’s message “FIREWOOD ALERT — TRANSPORTING FIREWOOD INTO MAINE IS BANNED” is intended to protect against the incursion of new pests like Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt, or beech leaf disease and the further spread of emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and other forest pests and diseases. DACF worked with the Maine Department of Transportation (MeDOT) on the signs' production and installation. The project was funded by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Help DACF protect Maine's forests:

maine.gov/firewood

• Leave firewood at home — use local Maine firewood.

• If you have already transported firewood into Maine, burn it. Please do not leave it. Or, bring it home.

• If you can’t burn it all within 24 hours, bring it to the nearest drop-off site (check www.maine.gov for sites).

• Burn local or heat-treated firewood. Check out firewoodscout.org.

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive sap-feeding insect from Asia first found in the United States in 2014, in Pennsylvania. While the preferred host plant of this pest is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), spotted lanternfly attacks over 100 species of trees, shrubs, and vines, and has the potential to impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, including apples, peaches, grapes/wine, maple syrup, as well as the ornamental nursery industry.

Until the last couple of years, spotted lanternfly stayed relatively contained to the midAtlantic states, making it easy to think of as a faraway pest and someone else’s problem.

However, 2020 has been a year of widespread movement for spotted lanternfly. While reproducing populations have not yet been found in Maine, this summer egg masses were observed on trees that had been shipped from Pennsylvania, and planted in Boothbay, Freeport, Northeast Harbor, and Yarmouth. It is unclear whether these egg masses hatched in Maine or prior to arrival in the state. To date, no live spotted lanternfly has been observed in Maine.

Locating new infestations of spotted lanternfly can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The more eyes out there looking, the better the chances of finding this pest early.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry needs your help this winter and spring to look for spotted lanternfly egg masses.

Spotted lanternfly will lay eggs on any surface — plants, rocks, outdoor furniture, cars, etc.

The egg masses easily move with goods, plants and people then hatch to cause infestations in new areas. The unhatched egg masses can be found from October to June. If egg masses can be found before hatching, they can be destroyed before the pest becomes established. Spotted lanternfly egg masses are well camouflaged and can be difficult to spot. They are often described as looking like a smear of mud. Look for insect eggs that are covered in a putty-like substance that can range in color from creamy to dark tan or gray. Egg masses are typically slightly more than 1 inch long and longer than they are wide, although the size of the egg mass can vary. Report any suspicious egg masses by submitting a picture and the location to bugwatch@maine.gov or call 207-287-7545.

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 05

Shared Love for the Land: Pastures, cropland woodland, and forests.

These working landscapes are beautiful places, important to Maine’s heritage and economy. They are critical to the wellbeing and livelihood of Mainers and its natural beauty.

What do they offer?

• Pastures and crop land are local sources of food • Open and wooded areas are homes for thousands of wildlife bugs, animals, and native plants • Farms, woodland and forests provide local jobs in agriculture, forestry and tourism • Special places to get outside and respectfully appreciate Maine’s beauty year-round Use these tips to stay on the right path to support and appreciate Maine’s working landscapes year-round.

Respect. Treat land as the valuable

necessity that it is to our state. Your respect plays a role to help everyone appreciate Maine’s beauty.

Responsibility. Know before you go: where and if you may walk, drive, travel and tour—and the safe ways to do so. Keep your pets on leash—especially near pasture and farmland.

Right Thing. Follow the unwritten rules of Maine land use: ask for permission, say thank you. Set an example for others.

Always carry-in and carry-out. See litter and trash? Do the right thing and pick it up.

Why respect, responsibility and the right thing matter: • Respectful, responsible land use helps preserve these special places for the future

Tips for enjoying Maine’s outdoors year-round

• Sustains community relationships • Instills and improves our understanding for the value of Maine’s working landscapes

Resources: Want to learn how you can support farms and businesses? In addition to saying thank you, show your thanks and support their businesses. Visit www.

RealMaine.com for a list of farm products and farms near you!

Want more tips for supporting Maine’s outdoors? Search for Outdoor Partners Program from Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: www.maine.gov/ifw.

“Maine landowners voluntarily open up more than 10 million acres of working farms and forests.”

—Maine Outdoor Partners Program

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Benefits of a Real Christmas Tree

Maine’s Christmas Tree Association members encourage you to buy local, and buy Maine grown real trees as a way to support local farms, and businesses. Here are some benefits of real trees!

Environmental Benefits

Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen. The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts.

Renewable

Real Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other agricultural crop. To ensure a constant supply, Christmas Tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. On the other hand, artificial trees are a petroleum-based product manufactured primarily in factories. The average family uses an artificial tree for only six to nine years before throwing it away, where it will remain in a landfill.

Recyclable

Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.

Tree care tips:

• Once you’ve chosen your tree, keep it in a sheltered, unheated area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the wind and sun until you are ready to display and decorate it. Find more tree care tips, real wreaths, garland and choose and cut farms at www.mainechristmastree.com.

• To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

• Use a stand that fits your tree. Before placing the tree in a stand, make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk. Make sure the bottom of the trunk is flat. Don’t remove bark— it helps take up water.

• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.

A Maine Fiber Collaboration This year a collaboration crossed fiber sectors in the alpaca and sheep world in Maine. Farms in Lincoln and Knox counties sought to create a yarn that blends loftiness, structure, sheen and color, and is raised in Maine. This collaboration of alpaca and sheep farmers created a beautiful yarn, a Real Maine product, spun and milled in the County. This is a great example of the possibilities for smaller farms to work together to build a sustainable product, as well as a strong local fibershed. By creating a natural yarn product, we are helping create a fabric with a low carbon footprint. The animals who grow the fiber aid in carbon sequestration simply by their managed grazing and deposits of nutrients back into the earth as they move through pastures.

These alpacas and sheep impart their natural colors in their fiber, without the use of dyes. As a purely natural product, once our yarn has reached the end of its life cycle, it may be composted back into the land. This allows the yarn to nourish the soil one final time.

This Real Maine connection is made possible through the partnership of Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm in Southport, Midgard Meadows in Washington and Aroostook Fiber Mills in Ashland. Look for more of our Maine-based products through both farms this holiday season 2020 and moving forward in 2021! You can find our Real Maine products here: www.capenewagenfarm.com and www.midgardmeadows.com with www.aroostookfibermills.com.

Maine’s Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Adapt to Grow Local Food “2020 … has been a very challenging year, in different ways than any of us have had to deal with before,” says Lisa Turner. She is a vegetable farmer and president of the 120 member Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association. “Between the pandemic and the drought, 2020 has been insanely busy, even for farmers who are used to having way too much to do all summer.

Like many farmers across Maine, as Lisa looks at 2021, she wants shoppers to remember that buying local matters. That helps keep Maine farms in business, and ensures local food is available.

“This spring, a number of farm stands around Maine opened early, and were amazed and grateful at the public’s support for Maine grown foods. Some of our farms

that reported that sales doubled over last year with an increase in local products, according to Lisa.

Lisa recognizes not every farm in Maine could quickly shift to adding on a retail stand. She reminds us that farm direct sales are one means Maine’s fruit and vegetable growers market and sell their crops.

Different farms across Maine use different ways to support their business. Some farms focus on wholesale customers because their farm is geographically remote, or there is not a large enough local customer base.

The rapid changes due to the pandemic impacted all farms. To consider this impact, it’s helpful to note farming is not spontaneous. Vegetable farming starts with planning and ordering seed in the

winter, starting seeds in greenhouses, and planting things months before they are ready to harvest. Strawberries are planted at least a year in advance, and raspberries and blueberries are a multi-year effort.

For example, those pallets of potatoes destined for a restaurant, cafeteria or caterer in spring 2020? They were planted and harvested in 2019—long before the pandemic arrived.

For a potato farmer with wholesale customers, this is significant. Restaurants, cafeterias, and event caterers can use a pallet of potatoes in a matter of days. That is equal to more than 2,400 pounds, or nearly 50 extra-large bags of potatoes. By comparison, the average American eats 49 pounds, or one extra-large bag, of potatoes over the span of 12 months.

“We wish we could predict what 2021 will bring, but looking ahead is pretty overwhelming for a lot of small businesses right now” says Lisa. “We make our best guesses, cross our fingers, and move forward.”

Fortunately, they have proven they can adapt, and navigate change. As their member association re-groups in the winter, they will share ideas and marketing strategies to add some predictability. They will use best laid plans to estimate what to plant, and how to get local food to customers of all types. They’ll do what farmers do best: make the most of the situation. They’ll work to spread the message that it takes both farmers and customers to ensure there is local food season to season, year-to-year, no matter the moment.

Growing Support for Grains

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 07

Did you take up the hobby of baking loaves of homemade bread to bring nourishment to the soul and tables this year? Is there a particularly delicious baked good or beverage from your favorite brewery that makes you daydream to have it again?

The Maine Grain Alliance believes you’re in good company. They are a dedicated group of farmers, bakers and businesses— working to build a ‘regional grain economy.’

One might ask, “What is a regional grain economy?”

A regional grain economy focuses on a local geographic area of growing, harvesting, processing and support. This focus helps farmers and businesses account for local needs and abilities when setting and measuring economic goals.

Jobs, food security, and available natural resources are a few reasons why a regional grain economy is part of the conversation in Maine agriculture. Enthusiasts for Maine-grown farm products, including grains, recognize this.

The Maine Grain Alliance aims to grow Maine’s grain crops—in production capacity, support and reach. Like many things, growth becomes more likely with support—especially support from more than an early adopter.

Research projects, and feasibility studies are tools Maine grain farmers and supporters use to understand and increase Maine’s production capacity. Workshops and conferences educate home- and commercial-bakers about grain varieties and

baking techniques. Seed restoration enthusiasts—the people who catalogue, trial and report on their findings, are key to helping farmers and bakers understand varieties that thrive in the region. This network of people help ensure breweries and bakeries can choose Maine grown grains as an ingredient in products their customers enjoy.

Shoppers and home bakers who want to learn more about using Maine-grown grains, and help farmers and food businesses grow support for Maine grains can do their part. Visit www.kneadingconference.com. You’ll find a list of recipes and tutorials—along with bakeries and breweries throughout Maine that specialize in Maine ingredients.

Discover all Maine has to offer at

www.RealMaine.com

“Bread Fair in a Basket is a way to celebrate the bread fair, enjoy a delightful selection of goods from bakers and artisans, and also support the work of the Maine Grain Alliance,” according to Kneading Conference organizers. Maine’s annual Kneading Conference and Bread Faire festival were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Bread Fair in a Basket offered an at-home version of the annual celebration.

The organizers hope to offer another in 2021.

You can learn more at www.kneadingconference.com.

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Cooking with Dry Beans

Dry beans have proven to be the kitchen pantry stars of 2020. During the shutdown periods of the pandemic, many people found themselves cooking more meals at home, and relying on ingredients that they had on hand. Dry beans have a long shelf life, and they are versatile, affordable, and highly nutritious. Many home chefs discovered a newfound love of dry beans as an ingredient.

Now is the perfect time to stock up on beans for your holiday and winter cooking needs. Did you know that beans and peas are harvested across Maine? Locally grown beans typically become available in November, and can be found at farmers’ markets, farm stores, and local grocery stores. Be sure to get a supply now so you’ll always have some on hand!

Tips for cooking with dry beans: • If you’re just getting started with beans, try some of the favorite varieties: yellow eye beans, Jacobs cattle, and navy beans are easy to find.

• Remember that dry beans expand significantly when cooking. (1 cup of dry beans will make 2-3 cups of cooked beans.)

• If a recipe calls for soaking beans, change the water frequently for best results.

Bean Dip

• If a bean recipe calls for salt, add it after the beans are finished cooking.

• Likewise, for recipes that include acidic ingredients (e.g. vinegar or tomatoes), add them after the beans are cooked to the desired texture.

• Consider decanting dry beans into jars or other containers, to avoid a slippery spill if a bag gets torn.

• Store beans in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.

Under the right conditions, they will last indefinitely.

By Chef Tony Martineau, Green Thumb Farm

This dip is easy to make, nutritious, and a delicious way to make raw vegetables (think carrot sticks, celery stalks, and daikon radishes) appealing for the whole family!

In a blender add all ingredients below: 2 cups of cooked Soldier or Yellow Eye Beans 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 small crushed garlic clove or ½ tsp granulated garlic ¼ cup Tahini 2 Tbsp olive oil plus some to drizzle 1 Tbsp water Scant pinch of paprika Sea salt to taste Blend until smooth, adjust consistency with water if necessary, taste and adjust seasoning.

Place dip in a serving bowl or on an appetizer tray, drizzle olive oil on the dip and serve with lavash crackers, bagel chips, warm pita triangles, carrot, cucumber, celery & green pepper strips. Enjoy!

Dash of Maine Cooking Challenge

Real Maine sponsored Maine Public’s of Maine Holiday Cooking Challenge. Recently, several food experts joined the Real Maine team to record videos about the agricultural ingredients in the Challenge recipes. Pictured are (left to right) Robin Kerber, Farm and Sea to School Coordinator for the Maine Department of Education; Alexis Guy, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator; and Rob Dumas, University of Maine Food Science Innovation Coordinator. (Absent from photo: Chef Tony Martineau from Green Thumb Farms.) Learn more about the Holiday Cooking Challenge online at www.mainepublic.org/maine-publics-dash-maine-holiday-cooking-challenge.

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 09

Roasted Squash and Apple Soup

Cooking with Squash

Ingredients

Locally grown root vegetables, apples, winter squash and pumpkins, along with less common items like kohlrabi and fennel, are abundant in Maine in the fall. They can be found in farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local grocery stores. The recipe listed below uses some of these ingredients, and they may be interchanged depending on what is available in your kitchen. Things like apples, pears, root veggies, winter squash, pumpkin, cabbage and kohlrabi can either be combined to make a delightful slaw, roasted together to create a sweet and savory side dish, or simmered together for a hearty, nourishing soup.

Recipe from Maine SNAP-Ed

1 small pumpkin or winter squash, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 to 2 apples, depending on size, peeled, quartered and cored 1 large onion, quartered 1 Tbsp butter 1/2 tsp dried oregano or marjoram 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 quart vegetable or chicken broth ½ tsp salt or to taste

Photo: Missy Jordan

Arrange squash, apples and onion on large baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes at 375° or until softened. In large saucepan or Dutch oven, add butter and roasted squash mixture along with remaining ingredients. Simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes or until vegetables are thoroughly cooked. Adjust seasoning if needed. Can use an immersion blender to puree soup or leave as is for a heartier consistency.

Recipe provided by Nutrition Educator, Beth Chamberlain. Note: This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, particularly squash or sweet potatoes.

Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nu- You can also swap out the herbs for spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. trition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered Garnish with sour cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4 to 6. Delish! by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented statewide by the University of New England (UNE). Maine SNAP-Ed educates low-income families on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact mainesnap-ed@une.edu or 207-221-4560 for more information.

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Winter Farmers’ Markets

Mainers are fortunate to have access to many winter farmers’ markets. This year, due to the coronavirus, winter markets will operate a bit differently than in past years. Before going to a market, it’s important to check its website or social media listing for any changes to the market and to find online ordering options. Many individual farms will be offering online pre-ordering, so you can purchase your items in advance. Then, at the market, you simply pick up your order from each vendor.

Explore pre-ordering for maximum convenience! Keep your group as small as possible, since most markets have customer limits for their indoor spaces. Plan to shop efficiently, as there may be people waiting to enter the market. Don’t be surprised to find some vendors set up outside, even in the winter, as this is one way some markets are planning to keep maximum space and fresh air between everyone at market. Above all, enjoy your shopping experience, and know that you are making a difference for Maine farmers by shopping locally!

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1

Wear a mask.

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6

Follow the market’s rules.

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Plan ahead and shop briskly.

Address

Details

Open every Tuesday, 2-5pm through March/April.

Pre-order available.

Bangor Winter Farmers’ Market

1 Water St. and Northern Ave., Augusta 48 Pettengill Park Rd, Auburn Abbott Square, Across from the Bangor Public Library, Bangor

European Market in Bangor

17 Buck St, Bangor

Open every Saturday, 9am-12:30pm, year-round

Bath Farmers’ Market

27 Commercial St, Bath

Open every Saturday, 9am-noon, Dec-Mar

Belfast Farmers’ Market

231 Northport Ave, Belfast 8 Noble Lane (Nov & Dec); 11 Sullivan St. (Jan - Apr), Berwick

Augusta Winter Farmers’ Market Auburn Farmers’ Market

Berwick Winter Farmers’ Market

Keep your group as small as possible.

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Don’t eat until you get home.

Open 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 11am-1pm, Nov-April Open 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, Dec-Apr, 11am-1:30pm

Open every Friday, 9am-1pm, Dec-Apr 10am-1:30pm at Knowlton School Gym on 11/22 and 12/13. Open 2nd Sunday of the month at Berwick Town Hall, Jan-April.

Bethel Winter Farmers’ Market

75 Main St, Bethel

The Winter Market in Blue Hill

1157 Pleasant St., Halcion Open every Saturday, 9-11:30am, Dec through April Grange Hall, Blue Hill

Bowdoinham Holiday Markets

13 School St., Bowdoinham

8:30am to 12pm. Check FB page for details.

Two holiday markets, 11/21 and 12/19, at Bowdoinham Town Hall.

Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market

4 Nulty St., Bridgton

Open every Saturday, 9am-noon, Nov-Mar

Open every Saturday, 10am-12pm, through Thanksgiving

Dover Cove Winter Farmers Market

14 Main St. (Fort Andross Open every Saturday, 9am-12:30pm, Nov-Apr Building), Brunswick Piscataquis County Ice Open every other week through Dec, 9am-1pm starting the Arena, 1049 W Main St., weekend before Thanksgiving Dover-Foxcroft

Ellsworth Farmers’ Market

192 Main St, Ellsworth

Open every Saturday, 9:30am-12:30pm, through Nov. 21

Freeport Makers’ Market

55 Main Street, Freeport

Saturdays, 10am-12pm, through December

75 South St, Gorham

Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Nov-Dec

270 Main St.(Route 26), Greenwood 55 Main Road North, Hampden

Open 2nd and 3rd Friday of the month, 4-6pm, Nov-April

Kittery Community Market

10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery

10am to 2pm on 2 Sundays: Nov. 22 & Dec. 13

Lewiston Winter Farmers’ Market

Bates Mill 5, Lewiston

Orono Farmers’ Market

Location TBD Check website

Open every Sunday, 11am-1pm, Nov-Dec, check website for details Every Saturday, 9am-noon in December. January & February, 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 9am-Noon; Location is To Be Determined - visit www.oronofarmersmarket.org.

Portland Winter Farmers’ Market Skowhegan Winter Farmers’ Market South Portland Winter Farmers’ Market

631 Stevens Ave., Portland 144 Madison Ave., Skowhegan 496 Ocean St., South Portland

Open every Saturday, 9am-1pm, Dec-Apr

18 Spring St, Belfast

Open every Saturday, 9am-2pm, year-round

Brunswick Winter Market

Stay home if you feel sick.

Give each other space!

Market

Maine Winter Farmers’ Markets 2020-2021

Greater Gorham Winter Farmers’ Market Greenwood Winter Farmers’ Market Hampden Winter Farmers’ Market

United Farmers’ Market of Maine Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market Farmers Market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm Merry Meeting Kitchen and Market Place Western Maine Market

Location TBD, Check website 217 Hewett Rd, Somerville 39 Burbank Ave., Brunswick 4 Bridge St., West Farmington

Open every Friday, 2-5:30pm, Oct-mid May

Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am-1pm, Nov-Apr Open every Sunday, 10am-2pm, Nov-Apr

Open every Thursday, 2-5pm, through December Pre-order only. Pick-up 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month from 4-8pm. For info email: info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com.

Pre-order only. Visit merrymeetingkitchen.com for more info. Pickup every Friday from 2-6pm.

Pre-order only. Visit westernmainemarket.com for more info. Pickup every Saturday 10am-1pm.

Feather Your Winter Nest

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 11

Whether shopping for your own home, or looking for a gift for a friend, a Real Maine agricultural product is sure to please.

Maine agricultural businesses, such as farm stores and farmers’ markets, are convenient locations to find unique items. You can also find locally made agricultural products in retail stores in your area. Here are a few items we suggest to raise anyone’s spirits during the dark days of winter:

Scented items for the home: With houses buttoned up to keep out the cold, natural products can help keep things smelling fresh and pleasant. Soaps made from local ingredients are readily available at farm stores, shops, and even feed stores, and can be used for cleaning up or to freshen a closet, drawer, or even the car! Lavender is an increasingly popular crop in Maine, and many farms offer dried lavender in bouquets and wreaths, or in products like sachets and potpourri.

Sweets to eat: The quintessential Maine treat is maple candy.

There are few things sweeter and more distinctly flavored than golden candy made from real Maine maple syrup. Just a little goes a long way, making for a perfect small indulgence. And for the foodies in your circle of friends, look for maple butter to jazz up scones for a Sunday brunch, or even simply a jar of the best pure maple syrup you can find.

Horticultural products: By mid-December, even the fall asters have gone by, and there is little color in the landscape. Bring home a gorgeous, Maine-grown poinsettia to add some festive color to your home.

Some garden and nursery centers may still have bulbs available for forcing in late winter. And for the gardener in your life, pick up some packets of seeds for winter gifts. Nothing is more encouraging than planning a future garden on a cold winter’s night!

Soothing teas and tinctures: For yourself or the friend who has everything, consider selecting an aromatic tea or herbal syrup. A steaming cup of a traditional herbal tea (also called a “tisane,”), such as chamomile or mint, is soothing on a cold day. Or look for something more exotic, with fruits, flowers, and spices, to stimulate the senses. Many herbalists offer shrubs, tinctures, and syrups that are flavorful and may offer health benefits as well.

Find ways to buy these items and more at www.RealMaine.com, where you can search for particular products, seek local places to shop, look for online purchasing options, and more. The Real Maine website helps you find food and agricultural products to make your life easier and more flavorful!

Maine Senior FarmShare Program Celebrates a Successful 2020 Season “I think this was one of the most difficult years that we have ever had to go through as farmers, dealing with the drought, with COVID19, and making so many changes with all the new rules and recommendations. But as a whole I am very proud of us farmers. I think we helped each other out and overcame all the obstacles that we had to go through and made it a successful and safe year for our farms and our seniors.

I am very proud to be a farmer this year.”

—A MSFP Farmer in Piscataquis County

The Maine SeniorFarmShare Program (MSFP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible seniors with a $50 farmshare at no charge to spend on produce with an authorized local farmer. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has operated the program since 2001. This season, 98 farms participated, and served more than 16,300 seniors. The program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“At the start of this season, we really didn’t know what to expect,” according to Donna Murray, the MSFP Program Manager. “We were concerned that the pandemic would really impair the program this year. But we were able to adjust, most importantly by allowing seniors to sign up by phone. And our farmers were phenomenal in the support they provided to ensure Maine’s seniors received their shares of nutritious local produce.”

A confidential survey is available online at www.maine.gov/dacf/seniorfarmshare for seniors who participated in the 2020 season. Participating in the survey will help track and improve the program. Seniors interested in participating next year may also take the survey. Signup for the program begins each year in April, and shares often fill quickly, so interested seniors should watch for announcements in the spring. It’s a great way for Maine seniors to access local foods directly from area farms. Said one Kennebec County resident, “My farmer is always there to help me and I love the program! The farmers are always so nice. I definitely eat more vegetables because of this program.”

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Meet the MAITC

Teacher of the Year

Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG)

Award Recipients Announced

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) announced the recipients of this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) awards. Spanning a host of products, from strawberries to mixed vegetables, SCBG grants totaling $534,303 are being awarded to: Blue Barn LLC, Daybreak Grower’s Alliance, the Maine Maple Producers Association, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Alliance, and multiple projects with the University of Maine system (in the School of Biology and Ecology, the School of Food and Agriculture, and the Maine Food and Agriculture Center). DACF’s Division of Quality Assurance and Regulation will also apply $12,000 of SCBG funding to a pilot project supporting farmers seeking certification in Good Agricultural Practices.

In 2020, the DACF received twice as many proposals as in recent years. “The pool of proposals was outstanding, which reflects the dynamism and diversity among Maine’s specialty crop producers,” according to Bureau Director Nancy McBrady. “Making this federal funding available to producers, researchers, and innovators of Maine’s specialty crops is an important way we can strengthen Maine’s agricultural sector.”

Funding emerging specialty crop products diversify the agricultural landscape and help make crop production more sustainable. Eric Martin, co-proprietor of Blue Barn LLC, which makes Bluet wine, says, “We think today’s Maine wild blueberry barrens could be tomorrow’s wine country, and SCBG support is an amazing step towards trying to make that happen.” According to Dr. David Handley, Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the grant program also helps advance research that would otherwise put famers at high financial risk to undertake themselves. “Funds from the SCBG program allow UMCE to test for new small fruit varieties that are both well suited to Maine’s climate and offer improvements in quality, winter hardiness, and pest tolerance.”

The federal SCBG program is intended to increase the competitiveness of non-commodity crops. The USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Through the block grant model, the federal government awards funding to individual state agricultural agencies to make local decisions about how to allocate the funds. Typically, the DACF releases an SCBG Request for Proposals each year in February, with applications due in March or April. Since 2002, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has awarded over 6.5 million dollars to the Maine DACF to support the growing number of specialty crop producers selling into local and regional markets.

Abby Plummer, a fifth-grade teacher at Edna Drinkwater School in Northport, is the 2021 Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.

Abby’s passion for farm-based education started out as volunteer-work and grew from there.

She attended Farm to School Conferences, and sought hands on experience as a farm apprentice at Morning Dew Farm in Newcastle. Her mentor farmers introduced her to the organization FARMS (Focus on Agriculture in Rural Maine Schools), and Abby continued to get more involved in farm to school programming.

She was awarded two Maine Agriculture in the Classroom grants to create a Farm to School Coordinator position. Abby’s efforts led to seven different school cafeterias in two districts buying more Maine food from Maine farms. Abby collaborated with school counselors on a program for at-risk elementary students to work in school gardens and visit local farms. After managing Farm to School programs for five years, Abby saw the benefits to students, families, schools, and farmers. She decided to become a teacher.

She obtained her Master’s and certifications and became a fifth grade teacher at the Edna Drinkwater School. Abby’s agricultural network helps her students understand Maine’s natural resources. They have collaborated with Tanglewood 4-H Camp, Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition, and WeatherBlur (Maine Math and Science Alliance).

Abby integrates agriculture into every subject. For example, student writing projects include interviewing farmers, and writing proposals to get support for school garden and solar projects. In Maine and science, students estimate real-life scenarios such as what are the financial benefits of running a farm stand? How many bulbs do we need, and at what cost, to plant in front of the entire school? How many carrots do we need to make carrot cake for the entire school? They perform decomposition competitions to improve the composting system, plant growth experiments.

Abby continues to integrate the garden, greenhouse, and nature into many of her lessons and give her students many experiences while learning remotely, including outdoor scavenger hunts, and videos that show activity in the school garden.

Abby says, “For ten years, I have learned from and collaborated with a vast array of teachers, food service staff, organizations, families, and farmers. I am so lucky to be able to teach at Drinkwater, where authentic, farm-based teaching is supported. Thank you again to MAITC for the many years you have helped make this possible for us all.”

ANSWERS to puzzle on page 13: 1. Cranberry; 2. Cider; 3. Seeds; 4. Honey; 5. Farm; 6. Milk; 7. Trees; 8. Ice Cream; 9. Eggs; 10. Maple; 11. Apples; 12. Fleece

Maine Agriculture Puzzle

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Maine FFA State Officers present FFA Opportunities to Maine Classrooms

Maine Agriculture Puzzle 2

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The Maine FFA Association — formerly known as “Future Farmers of America” and adapted to include other areas such as aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resources — has continued activities despite COVID-19. State FFA Officers of one of the largest student leadership organizations in the country are currently delivering virtual presentations to Maine FFA chapters on opportunities available to members. State Treasurer, Brandon Dubie, recently oversaw the team’s presentation on “Supervised Agricultural Experiences” to students at Maine Region 4’s United Technologies Center horticulture program in Bangor. It was noted that student work outside of school in areas from gardens to environmental protection to hunting and trapping can qualify them for National FFA “proficiency” awards, including recognition and a cash prize. Conducting the presentation from locations in their local towns, Brandon and fellow officers Izabelle Higgins (President), Kerigan Guerrette (Vice President), Emily Ward (Secretary) and Delaney McKeen (Reporter-Sentinel) explained to students what they could do in order to participate in this program. Such presentations, workshops, community service, student recognition and competitions are all part of the Maine FFA year. Any Maine school, grades 7-12, featuring an agriculture/natural resources program or a class with strong connections to agriculture and natural resources may qualify for FFA chapter membership, along with all the trainings, awards, scholarships and exciting events this brings.

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1. Native fall berry 2. Tasty fall fruit drink 3. Pumpkin filling 6. Comes from cows 7. Where pears and apples grow 9. From chickens and turkeys Down: 10. Sweet Maine syrup 1.

NATIVE FALL BERRY

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 13

TASTY FALL FRUIT DRINK PUMPKIN FILLING COMES FROM COWS

WHERE PEARS AND APPLES GROW FROM CHICKENS & TURKEYS SWEET MAINE SYRUP



4. Made by bees 5. Where our food grows 8. A frozen treat 11. Fall fruit used for pies 12. From sheep and llamas Across: 4.

MADE BY BEES

For further information, please contact: Doug Robertson, Maine FFA State Advisor at doug.robertson@maine.gov or (207) 624-6744.

Find answers on bottom of page 12.

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WHERE OUR FOOD GROWS A FROZEN TREAT FALL FRUIT USED FOR PIES FROM SHEEP & LLAMAS

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Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator © 2007 - 2020 Education.com

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020

Resources for Agriculture

USDA – Part of the United States Government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the nation’s largest natural resource agency. Some primary areas of work include: • • • • •

Food security and safety Forest management Funding for farms Research centers Data collection and agricultural statistics

• • • •

Marketing Disaster support State offices Programs to support rural communities and businesses

MDACF and BAFRR – Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry is Maine’s largest natural resource agency. The Bureau of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources is the primary state-level entity to support Maine’s agricultural, food and rural resources infrastructure.

• • • •

Food security and safety Funding for farms Data collection Promoting Maine agriculture businesses and events • Animal care, disease tracking, and risk management

• Programs to support rural communities and businesses • Disaster support • Education and outreach

How to Contact Your Local Cooperative Extension or Soil and Water Conservation District Cooperative Extension System: The UMaine

Soil and Water Conservation Districts:

Cooperative Extension is part of a publicly funded educational network. This partnership of federal, state and local governments brings educational resources from universities to local communities.

Maine’s 16 Soil and Water Conservation Districts focus on land and water stewardship practices and resources at the community and state levels.

Communities benefit from the expert staff: • Research and training to farmers about crops, livestock, and business management.

• Healthy eating and nutrition instruction.

• Leadership and life skills for youth with community programs like 4-H. • Volunteer opportunities for all ages.

How do you and local communities benefit?

• Attend public workshops, demonstrations, educational programs • Obtain one-on-one help to answer questions about soil and water health • Learn best practices to support Maine’s natural resources • Volunteer with programs, such as Envirothon, a youth educational program building skills and awareness around Maine’s support of natural resources • Visit maineconservationdistricts.com

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Administrative Offices at located at 5741 Libby Hall in Orono. For more information, call 207-581-3188 or email extension@ maine.edu.

County

Cooperative Extension System

Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Androscoggin & Sagadahoc

24 Main Street, Lisbon Falls 207-353-5550

254 Goddard Road, Lewiston www.androscogginswcd.org

Aroostook

Northern Aroostook: 34 Armory Road, Suite 101, Fort Kent 207-834-3905 Central Aroostook: PO Box 727, Houlton Rd, Presque Isle 207-764-3361 Southern Aroostook: 18 Military Street, Houlton 207-532-.6548

St. John Valley: 139 Market St, Ste 106, Fort Kent 207-834-3311 Central Aroostook: 735 Main St, Suite 3, Presque Isle 207-764-4153 Southern Aroostook: 304 North Street, Houlton 207-532-9407, ext. 3

Q. I’m a farmer who seeks help with business planning. Where should I go?

Cumberland

A. Check out USDA, SCORE Maine, or the SBA (Small Business Administration). Schedule a meeting with an advisor. Visit www.score.org/usda.

UMaine Regional Learning Center 75 Clearwater Dr, Ste 104, Falmouth 207-781-6099 extension.cumberland@maine.edu

35 Main Street, Suite 3, Windham www.cumberlandswcd.org 207-892-4700

Franklin

138 Pleasant St, Ste 1, Farmington 207-778-4650

107 Park Street, Farmington 207-778-4279

Q. I’m curious about agriculture and learning for youth.

Hancock

63 Boggy Brook Road, Ellsworth 207-667-8212

192 Main St., Ste 11, Ellsworth www.hancockcountyswcd.org

Kennebec

125 State Street, 3rd Floor, Augusta 207.622.7546

50 Hospital Street, Augusta www.kcswcd.org

Knox & Lincoln

377 Manktown Road, Waldoboro 207-832-0343

893 West St, Suite 103, Rockport www.knox-lincoln.org

Oxford

9 Olson Road, South Paris 207-743-6329

17 Olson Road, Ste 3, South Paris www.oxfordcountyswcd.org

Penobscot

307 Maine Avenue, Bangor 207-942-7396

1423 Broadway, Suite 2, Bangor www.penobscotswcd.org

Piscataquis

Court House Complex 165 East Main St, Dover-Foxcroft 207-564-3301

42 Engdahl Drive, Dover-Foxcroft www.piscataquisswcd.org

Somerset

7 County Drive, Skowhegan 207-474-9622

70 East Madison, Skowhegan www.somersetswcd.org

Waldo

992 Waterville Road, Waldo 207-342-5971

46 Little River Drive, Belfast www.waldocountysoilandwater.org

Q. I’m a hobby gardener and I need help planning my garden.

Washington

28 Center Street, Machias 207-255-3345

51 Court Street, Machias 207-255-4659

A. Contact the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for planning help. Visit www.

RealMaine.com to find a local garden center to assist with finding native plants and seeds.

York

15 Oak Street, Springvale 207-324-2814

21 Bradeen St, Ste 104, Springvale www.yorkswcd.org

Common Inquiries & Where to Find Answers Stay connected with Maine agriculture year round...

Q. I’m a shopper who wants to buy local. Where should I go?

A. Visit www.RealMaine.com. Year-round, any time! Search a directory of farms, farm stands, markets and businesses. Everything from fruit, vegetables, meats, eggs and dairy, Christmas trees, plants, flowers, fibers, and specialty foods.

A. Visit your area Cooperative Extension County office, local 4-H, or Maine Ag in the classroom.

On-demand digital learning is available. You can join or volunteer for local 4-H programs. Visit extension.umaine.edu/4h.

Q. I need help marketing my products.

A. Check out Maine DACF and the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations, as well as UMaine Cooperative Extension food science staff. SCORE Maine can also help.

Visit extension.umaine.edu/publications/3101e.

Q. I want to talk with other farmers to network and share ideas.

A. Producer associations, mentorship programs, and instructional courses can help.

Visit maineagcom.org.

How to Contact USDA Agencies The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers food and nutrition grants and loans, tracks agricultural marketing data, and provides services and support to rural communities. It is the nation’s largest natural resources department. It has a network of offices in Maine, and it works with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry—especially regarding agricultural marketing, food and seed safety, and availability, funding, forestry and rural programs for communities and businesses.

Important contacts at local service agencies in Maine: Rural Development office: (207) 990-9160 • www.rd.usda.gov/me RD helps rural areas to develop and grow by offering Federal assistance that improves quality of life. RD targets communities in need and then empowers them with financial and technical resources.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) state office: (207) 990-9100, ext. 2 • www.fsa.usda.gov/stateoffices/Maine/index The Farm Service Agency implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs through a national network of offices.

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020 15

Find more resources at the Maine Ag Trades Show online January 19-23, 2021.

Five days of celebrating Maine agriculture.

Visit www.maine.gov/agtradesshow.

Join us online for this free event.

• Live presentations • Online exhibits • Networking opportunities

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 18, 2020