VOLUME 11, NO. 2
FALL 2012
NEWS
Russell Libby Honored with Paul Birdsall Award Maine Farmland Trust’s October
11 annual meeting marked the end of Russell Libby’s tenure on MFT’s board, after thirteen years of service, including several years as MFT’s treasurer. Libby was not only instrumental in founding MFT, but in helping move the organization to the unique and critical position it holds today. Beyond this, Libby has done so much to advance farming in other ways, notably through his longstanding role as executive director of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). To acknowledge both his spectacular service to MFT as well as his broader contributions to sustainable agriculture, MFT bestowed on Libby its highest honor, the Paul Birdsall Award, which recognizes sustained and inspiring contributions to Maine agriculture. The award is named after Paul Birdsall of Penobscot, an innovative farmer and the “father” of farmland protection in Maine. MFT’s board created the award in 2010 to honor Birdsall, but the award has not been presented since. As MFT’s John Piotti explained at the meeting, the award was not intended to be given out every year, but rather, when circumstances warrant. The award was presented to Libby by its namesake, Paul Birdsall. Birdsall spoke of several positive developments in Maine farming over the past few years—from the growth in farmers markets to the revitalization of grain
“We need to be thinking well beyond saving 100,000 acres of farmland, and thinking about how we can return a million acres or more to production.” Russell Libby
Russell Libby is one of several agriculture leaders depicted in a series of photographs now on display at Frontier Café in Brunswick. See pages 4-5 for more photos and information.
production—and then noted how Libby has had a hand in them all. MFT’s board chair, Bill Bell, then spoke about Libby’s deep commitment to MFT. Together, Bell and Birdsall then presented Libby with a farm photograph as a token of appreciation, and asked him to make some comments. Libby spoke eloquently about the important role MFT is playing, and the optimism he feels for the future of
farming. He ended his remarks by referring to the research being led by Brian Donahue of Brandeis that shows how New England could be growing 80% of its food in fifty years, but only if Maine is farming much more land. “We need to be thinking well beyond saving 100,000 acres of farmland, and thinking about how we can return a million acres or more to production,” said Libby.
From the Field
Maine farms key to future of Maine and New England By John Piotti, Executive Director When I began working with farmers in 1995, I found myself spending a lot of time trying to convince people that farming had a future. At that time (and for at least a decade to follow), many Mainers believed that farming was dead. As we now know from the agricultural statistics, farming in Maine bottomed out in the mid 1990s, and has been growing ever since. And in the last few years, public opinion has caught up with what’s happening. There is now an accepted belief that farming in Maine has a future. As this awareness grew, I began to refine my message. I no longer needed to get as many people over the initial hurdle of seeing farming’s promise. So I began to get into more details. My message became this: farming in Maine is both thriving and threatened. Yes, there is great opportunity for the future, but only if we take the right steps in the next few years. The fact that the number of farms is growing is no guarantee that growth will continue. Yes, the fundamentals are good. (Maine has lots of good farmland, plenty of water, better growing conditions than most people think, and handy access to markets). But food prices do not yet reflect food’s real cost, and until they do, many local farm products will not be competitive. Meanwhile, current economic realities still dictate that the highest and best use of 10 acres of prime soil is often to drop a house in the middle of it. On top of all that, Maine’s farmland is threatened by a MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
major demographic challenge, because the ownership of about a third of our farmland will be in transition in the next few years, given the age of farmland owners. Farming in Maine does indeed have great promise, but that does not ensure that the promise will be realized. We need to get through whatever period of time it takes (10 years? 20 years?) before enough externalities are internalized into food costs so that prices are driving more local production. And during this transitional period, we need to do whatever we can to keep farmland and farm infrastructure intact. Or we will regret it later—because if Maine doesn’t retain these assets, we will lose the opportunity to someday create a prosperous future built around sustainable agriculture. This has been my primary message for the past five years, but wherever the audience is ready to hear more, I’ve been adding this: The steps that Maine takes in the next few years will determine more than Maine’s future; it may well determine New England’s future. I firmly believe that in the future, any region that can produce a good portion of its own food in a sustainable manner will have a significant advantage over regions that do not. I see agriculture becoming a dominant economic force in Maine; but farming will never become Maine’s only major economic activity. Maine’s broader economic health will remain closely tied to what happens elsewhere in New England, so it is in Maine’s best interest to help New England remain vibrant.
www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
That is where farming comes in. New England is in a position to be growing much of it own food within 50 years, as Brian Donahue and other researchers have outlined. But the only way that can happen is if Maine is doing much of the growing. We have the land. In 1880, Maine had 6.5 million acres in agriculture, where today we have only about 1.3 million acres. Much of this oncefarmed land has gone to trees, not development. Perhaps as much as 4 million acres could be farmed once again. Maine in the future could not only feed itself, but help feed New England. (See the TEDx talk I gave at Harvard Law School in 2011, http://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/ featured-news/) There is real power in this vision of a more prosperous and sustainable future, one where Maine’s farms—by serving New England—help strengthen the regional economy that in turn strengthens Maine. But this vision does push MFT to think differently and think bigger. It suggests that we don’t only need to protect land that is currently farmed, but also land that could be farmed in the future. It also suggests that MFT needs do more to support new farmers and to help develop new infrastructure. It is no longer enough to work to prevent farming’s decline. Rather, we need to grow Maine agriculture and do so significantly. Simply put, this vision of Maine as the major food producer within New England confirms the critical importance of MFT’s work, while making it clear that we need to do much, much more.
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MaineFare 2012 A Great Success On September 7, the heart of Belfast was transformed into a crossroads of local food, farming, and sustainable enterprise, as MFT hosted MaineFare. A revival of an event of the same name last held in 2009, Maine Fare 2012 brought together over 500 farmers and food fans from all walks of life to talk, learn, eat, and celebrate. Morning found thick swaths of coastal fog drifting through the expansive farmers market that filled Main and High streets, but the mist did nothing to dampen the spirits of the steady parade of passersby. Offerings from over fifty participating vendors included heaping bins of fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, mead, candies, ice cream and gelato, baked goods, and much more. Noontime brought food fans together for a locally-sourced farm-totable lunch served under a tent on High Street and catered by chef Ladleah Dunn of Sailor’s Rest Farm in Lincolnville. Dunn’s four-course offering was a colorful, creative take on Maine seasonality that was nearly as satisfying to admire as it was to eat. The vibrant procession of courses included a sunrise-hued melon gazpacho, a salad resembling an artist’s palette, an elegant entrée featuring Maine lobster meat, and a creamy goat cheese panna cotta garnished with delicate flower blossoms and fruit. Afternoon programming at the nearby Colonial Theater kicked off with a presentation by MFT’s executive director, John Piotti, who talked about MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
photo credit: Pica Design
the promise of Maine agriculture, and how Maine could not only feed itself, but help feed New England. This was followed by a panel discussion that featured Bill Eldridge, Troy Haines, Polly Shyka, Amber Lambke, and Amanda Beal, who provided detail about the emerging opportunities in Maine for dairy, meat, vegetables, grain and seafood, respectively. A second panel featured food writer Nancy Harmon Jenkins and Bonnie Rukin of Slow Money Maine. They offered many examples of the innovative strides towards a locally-conscious and sustainable food system being taken in Maine. MaineFare 2012 concluded with “Local Plates,” which showcased offerings at seven Belfast restaurants: www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
Chase’s Daily, Darby’s, Delvino’s Pasta House & Grill, Front Street Pub, La Vida, Rollie’s Bar & Grill, and The Lost Kitchen. Each restaurant featured both an all-local appetizer and entrée that presented its own unique take on the farm-to-table dining experience. The original organizers of MaineFare—last held in Camden in 2009—asked MFT to take over this unique event that illuminates and celebrates Maine food traditions. MFT’s revival sought to build on that worthy foundation by deepening the focus on Maine farming—a formula that clearly works. Still, MFT’s first attempt with MaineFare was a relatively modest, singe-day event. Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better. FALL 2012
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MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
Among the first farmers in the northeast to make a living by growing organic produce and selling it locally, the Colsons have for over thirty years grown good food and trained young farmers.
Chris & Dave Colson
Hayward is a James Beard Awardwinning chef who helped launch the farm-to-table movement in Maine and has inspired countless chefs, farmers, and eaters.
Sam Hayward
www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
The Cook sisters run Crown O’Maine Organic Cooperative, demonstrating daily that out-of-the-box solutions can be delivered on a truck.
Marada & Leah Cook
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MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
Johnny’s Selected Seeds—the thriving business Johnston founded, and that the couple ran together for years, before selling it to their employees—provides a critical service to farmers in Maine and beyond.
Rob Johnston & Janika Eckert
Farmer and artisan cheese-maker, Hunter has been a force behind the Maine Cheese Guild and a mentor to many.
Caitlin Hunter (with Tiny Turner )
Bonnie Rukin
www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
A former farmer, Rukin is now helping transform Maine agriculture through her leadership of Slow Money Maine.
One of America’s top authorities on heirloom apples, Bunker is always willing to share his knowledge and passion.
John Bunker
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A farmer who is always experimenting, York now primarily raises dairy cattle and organic grain, leading the way for Maine to once again become an important grain producer.
Herbert “Bussy” York (with Poppy)
Photographer Lily Piel has captured on film some of the people who have helped revive farming in Maine, and who remain committed to the cause. A few of her portraits are shown here. The full show is being exhibited at Frontier Café in Brunswick through November 25.
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GROUNDBREAKERS Mainers Shaping Agriculture’s Future
Dave Mallett Releases New Farm Songs Benefit Concert November 16
Maine singer-songwriter Dave Mallett
may be best known for his “Garden Song,” as popularized by John Denver and Arlo Guthrie. That tune hints at Mallett’s deep interest in growing food. Indeed, Mallett cares deeply about farms and farmers, which is natural given his roots in rural Maine, where he still lives. Mallett is a strong supporter of MFT. This summer he undertook a special project, recording a new CD built totally around the theme of local food and farming, as part of a broader collaboration with MFT. Mallett will perform these new song, as well as many old favorites, at a special concert to benefit MFT, scheduled for Friday, November 16 at Atlantic Hall in Cape Porpoise. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $30 for the front three rows. The auditorium only holds 120 persons, so tickets will likely sell out early. Order yours today at www.mainefarmlandtrust.org or by calling the MFT office (207)338-6575
Campaign Update We’ve turned the corner! We are no longer talking about how much we’ve raised, but rather, how little we still need to raise to close out our $10 million Phase I campaign. That figure is now about $700,000—only 7% of the goal we set for ourselves in 2009! With your help, we will complete Phase I this year—and move that much closer to our goal of protecting 100,000 acres of Maine farmland.
MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
Shop In Person at MFT’s Gallery Beginning November 16, MFT’s Gallery will showcase affordable artwork, perfect for holiday gifts. Most pieces will sell for $50 to $150. At the Gallery, you can also purchase a wide variety of gift items available online, seeing them first hand and avoiding shipping charges. MFT’s Gallery is located at 97 Main Street in Belfast.
www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
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MAINE FARMLAND TRUST 97 Main St. Belfast, Maine 04915 207-338-6575 www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
We’re the only statewide land trust devoted to farmland protection. Our budget is primarily funded by individual donors and members. Please join us. With your help, we can meet the challenge.
t t t
Established in 1999, Maine Farmland Trust exists to help keep Maine’s farms working. The award-winning organization protects farmland and supports farmers through a variety of innovative programs and services. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Bell, President, Saco Susan Morris, Vice-President, Waldoboro Frank Miles, Treasurer, Cape Elizabeth Taylor Mudge, Secretary,Camden Paul Birdsall, Penobscot Neil Crane, Exeter Julia Dodge, Cumberland Walter Fletcher, Pittsfield Eleanor Kinney, Bremen James Lawrence, Camden Steve Page, Searsmont Cecily Pingree, North Haven Henry Whittemore, Readfield ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chris Hamilton, Whitefield James P. Hastings, Skowhegan Bambi Jones, Alna Russell Libby, Mt. Vernon Jo D. Saffeir, Pownal Arthur Thompson, Presque Isle Adrian Wadsworth, North Turner
Membership Categories: Basic (e.g., Student)......$20 Individual.....................$30 Family...........................$50 Contributor.................$100 Life...........................$1000
You may also make payments toward Life Membership:
(4 payments) $250 (2 payments) $500 Additional donation
$ ___________.
Please contact me about protection options for my farm property Name
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Address
_______________________________________________________________________________
Town, State, Zip Telephone
_____________________________________________________________________
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E-mail ____________________________________________________________
PAYMENT:
CHECK ENCLOSED
Credit Card No.:
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Signature:
VISA
MASTERCARD Exp.
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Mail to: Maine Farmland Trust, 97 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915 Maine Farmland Trust is a non-profit organization; membership dues and donations are tax-deductible.
STAFF
John Piotti, Executive Director Kristin Varnum, Associate Director LouAnna Perkins, Legal Counsel Reeve Wood, Staff Attorney Nina Young, Lands Projects Stacy Gambrel, Lands Projects Erica Buswell, Lands Projects Sarah Hart, Lands Assistant Mike Gold, Farm Viability Holly Ingraham, Farm Viability Tess Cleary, Farm Viability Beth Wade, Maine Farms Realty Sue Lanpher, FarmLink Erin Herbig, Outreach Anna Witholt Abaldo, Gallery Cate Cronin, Campaign Martin Hayden, Development Andrea Denny, Development Rachel Taker, Office Assistant
MAINE FARMLAND TRUST
Staff Update Reeve Wood has been hired as a Staff Attorney, principally to support MFT’s land deals. A former teacher who grew up on a farm, Reeve recently graduated for the USM School of Law. Martin Hayden has been hired to support MFT’s development work. Martin came to us from The Nature Conservancy. He has also worked for Maine Public Broadcasting and Bowdoin College. www.mainefarmlandtrust.org
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Russell Libby Honored with Birdsall Award, page 1 From the Field, page 2 MaineFare 2012: A Great Success, page 3 GroundBreakers, page 4 and 5 David Mallett Releases New Farm Songs, page 6 Campaign Update, page 6
Concert to benefit Maine Farmland Trust DAVID MALLETT performing
Friday, November 16 at 7pm Atlantic Hall
Cape Porpoise Concert to benefit
more information inside (Page 6) and at
mainefarmlandtrust.org