Newsletter Volume 13, No. 2 Fall/Winter 2014

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97 Main Street Belfast, Maine 04915 · 207-338-6575 e-mail: info@mainefarmlandtrust.org website: mainefarmlandtrust.org

Volume 13, No. 2

PERMIT NO. 30 FARMINGTON, ME

Winter, 2014

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In This Issue: Page 01: Stewardship

Page 02: Unity Food Hub Supports Farmers Page 03: New Program has Protected 18 Farms Page 04: New Film Highlights Farming’s Opportunities, Challenges Page 05: Mainstreaming Local Food to Institutions & Land For Maine's Supports Three Projects Page 06: Annual Meeting Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Success

Stewardship

A relationship built to last, and deepen

farmers get to ask questions, share suc-

that extends beyond a standard checklist.

cesses or concerns, and show us pieces of

In MFT’s new film, Growing Local, farmer Taryn Marcus muses: “A relation-

the properties they cherish.

MFT’s relationship with a farmer lasts

land that MFT has protected with agricul-

time... Austin [the previous owner] poured

connection to the land remains long after

tural conservation easements. But there’s

his blood, sweat and tears into it... and

that, a continuous thread that helps en-

a part of our work that is less-celebrated,

now we’re pouring our blood, sweat, and

sure the farm will be cared for forever. •

but utterly essential to farmland protec-

tears into it. And it’s almost like, the more

tion: Stewardship.

people who do that, the more beautiful it

we hold easements. Put simply, our job is

EXCLUSIVE Dahlov Ipcar holiday cards from her book My Wonderful Christmas Tree!

ship between humans and the land, and

until the property passes on. But MFT’s

stewardship of over 100 farms on which

Fun fiber art in the holiday show, small gifts, books, MFT hats, gift memberships and

relationship with each farmer. In turn, the

ship with the land takes a really long

This newsletter often showcases farm-

Each year, MFT staff monitors the

Support Maine Farmland Trust by purchasing gifts from our online store and at our Gallery in Belfast.

taining a complex and balanced relation-

is.”

By virtue of their work, farmers develop intimate knowledge of the land and

to make sure that the farm is respecting

their place on that land. MFT also plays

the legal terms of the easement. We walk

a central role. We may not literally “pour

the property boundaries, look at the active

blood, sweat, and tears” into the land as

agricultural areas and farmstead area, and

many farmers do; but as the easement

note any major changes, new buildings,

holder, we are part of that relationship be-

or activities.

tween farmer and land. We love seeing how

But our role doesn’t end there. With working farms, stewardship is about main-

the land changes, and how farms grow and develop. We use our visits to deepen our

97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

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the “multi-farm CSA” is already operating through two vehicles. First, the Hub has taken over MFT’s “Community Farm Share” program, which provides local vegetables, dry goods, dairy and meats at reduced cost to almost 150 incomeeligible families. Second, the Hub recently kicked-off a new “Workplace CSA” program, where it delivers similar products to interested employees at a few local businesses—with plans to expand this program significantly in the future.

Unity Food Hub Supports Local Farmers “What’s happening with that old building?” Just about anyone who has come through the Central Maine town of Unity in the past six months has thought this, because a prominently-located old grammar school, vacant for over 40 years, is now being brought back to life. That building, scheduled to be fully renovated by spring 2015, will hold the Unity Food Hub. But the new business has already begun to move local farm products.

The term “food hub” is used in so many ways that it can be confusing. A food hub can take many forms and undertake many functions, including large-scale processing and distribution. The Unity Food Hub has been conceived on a smaller scale, a place where the products from about 25 small farms could be brought, washed, sorted, and stored to make those products ready for sale to new markets. The Unity Food Hub will move products in two primary ways: 1) through a “multi-farm CSA” that delivers to individuals at various sites throughout the region; and 2) through sales to various Central Maine institutions.

Though major institutional sales will need to wait until the new facility is open,

The Unity Food Hub is a for-profit business. At present, it operates as a subsidiary of MFT, because local farmers wanted MFT to take the lead and put-up the initial capital; but MFT hopes to “spinoff” the business to new owners within 3-5 years, aiming to sell it to participating farmers or to an entrepreneur who is committed to running it in service to those farmers.

However, for as long as the Unity Food Hub is connected to MFT, it will be run with full transparency, sharing strategies, financial statements, and operational practices. In this way, the Hub will not only support Unity area farms, but also advance other initiatives that aim to support Maine farms.•

The Unity area is one of many regions that have seen a re-birth of small farms that sell direct, primarily through farmers markets or CSAs. But increasingly, these farms need additional markets to keep growing. Four years ago, MFT began a project designed to support Unity area farmers, and we clearly heard that they wanted a facility that could aggregate products from multiple farms. After in-depth business planning, the Unity Food Hub was born.

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97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

Staff & Board Board of Directors William Bell, Secretary, Saco Paul Birdsall, Penobscot Neil Crane, Exeter Julia Dodge, Rockport Walter Fletcher, Pittsfield Eleanor Kinney, Bremen James Lawrence, Rockport Frank Miles, Treasurer, Cape Elizabeth Susan Morris, Vice Chair, Waldoboro Taylor Mudge, Chair, Camden Steve Page, Searsmont Cecily Pingree, North Haven Henry Whittemore, Readfield Advisory Council Chris Hamilton, Whitefield James P. Hastings, Skowhegan Bambi Jones, Alna Jo D. Saffeir, Pownal Arthur Thompson, Presque Isle Adrian Wadsworth, North Turner Staff Anna Abaldo, Gallery Adam Bishop, Land Protection Erica Buswell, Land Protection Andrea Denny, Database Alex Fouliard, Outreach Mike Gold, Farm Viability Shannon Grimes, Intern Martin Hayden, Development Holly Ingraham, Land Protection Sue Lanpher, FarmLink Tim Libby, Veggies For All Lyndsey Marston, Land Protection Marla O’Byrne, Senior Vice President LouAnna Perkins, Senior Legal Counsel John Piotti, President and CEO Tricia Rouleau, Land Protection Ellen Sabina, Outreach Kim Sanborn, Office Assistant Elizabeth Sprague, Farm Viability Pippa Stanley, Land Protection Rachel Taker, Executive Assistant Matthew Tremblay, Farm Viability Sara Trunzo, Veggies For All Kristin Varnum, Vice President and CFO Jamie Wood, Outreach Reeve Wood, Legal Counsel Nina Young, Land Protection

Our work depends on the generosity of individual members and donors. Please join us.

Become a Member: You may also make payments toward Life Membership:

Basic - $20 Individual - $30

4 Payments - $250

Family - $50

2 Payments - $500

Contributor - $100

Additional Donation $ ____________.

Life - $1,000 Please contact me about protection options for my farm property.

I want to get involved! Please contact me about volunteer opportunities.

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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.

97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

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Annual Meeting Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Success

ferred to new farmers. And MFT’s Farm

planning services may help another farmer

Viability program has now supported 91

operate profitably. “We are making a real

farmers with services ranging from busi-

difference one farm at a time,” said Piotti.

ness planning to market development.

recognized by others. MFT has become a national leader in combining “farmland

Over 150 fervent supporters of farming

MFT’s Buy/Protect/Sell program and new

good company, and good conversation

innovative models worthy of replication.

Held this year at the Chewonki Foundation

MFT has pioneered income-producing ac-

in Wiscasset, the event also included a tour of Chewonki’s farm and a screening of MFT’s new film, Growing Local.

MFT’s annual meeting provided a special opportunity to reflect on the past 15

land and provided critical services to over 400 farmers. MFT’s FarmLink program has now made 111 links—that’s 111 Maine farms that have been successfully trans-

Duckback Farm Last June, MFT purchased an easement from Sanna McKim, protecting 16 acres of prime

tivities, such as its gallery and real estate

farmland in Belfast, and making it possible for Bennett Konesni and Edith Gawler to then

arm, and has successfully used films,

buy the property. The couple plan to build their farm overtime. They will start by cultivating a

books, and talks to raise public awareness.

handful of crops that are low maintenance, including garlic and strawberries, so that they can

In 2009, MFT was recognized as the best

continue to also pursue their music and design aspirations.

nonprofit of its size in Maine. In 2013, Pi-

years. Founded in 1999, MFT has grown

MFT has protected 40,000 acres of farm-

A few recent projects:

Purchased Easement program are seen as

at MFT’s annual meeting on November 6.

and an impressive set of accomplishments.

Since launching its Purchased Easement program in late 2013, MFT has closed on 18 projects totaling 2,271 acres, including many projects that have enabled beginning farmers to acquire new properties.

protection” with “farm viability,” while

in Maine enjoyed an evening of good food,

fast, now boasting over 5,000 members

MFT’s work has been increasingly

New Program has Protected 18 Farms

otti was named one of the “50 people who But these numbers do not tell the full story. As MFT’s President John Piotti said at the event, simply knowing that MFT has

have done the most for Maine,” in recognition of his accomplishments at MFT. What about the next 15 years? If the

helped hundreds of farmers doesn’t con-

past is any indication, MFT will continue

vey how MFT’s land protection efforts may

to advance farming in ways that are highly

help a particular beginning farmer buy the

creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial.

land she wants, or how MFT’s business

Maine’s farmers deserve no less. •

Bennett Farm Three generations of the Bennett Family came to the final closing of a purchased easement that protects 372 acres in Freedom. At present, the Bennetts raise livestock and make maple syrup, but the younger generations are full of new ideas for the future.

Songbird Farm Johanna Davis and Adam Nordell have been farming on leased land in Starks for several years. When the owner of Green Earth Gardens in Unity listed the 41-acre farm for sale on FarmLink, the young couple jumped at the chance to be closer to family, friends, and their markets in the Midcoast. But without MFT helping out by purchasing an easement, Johanna and Adam would not have been able to meet the owner’s price.

Atwell Farm MFT purchased an easement on Lynda and Gerry Atwell’s property in Searsmont, making the land more affordable for incoming farmers Hubert McCabe and Sarah Tompkins, who intend to cultivate mixed vegetables and raise pigs and sheep.

Stone Fox Farm MFT purchased an easement protecting Bruce and Kathy Chamberlain’s 63-acre farm in Monroe. The farm is home to their ice cream business, Stone Fox Farm Creamery, which uses local ingredients, including milk from neighboring Hilltop Farm. For now, the Chamberlains plan to continue to focus on their growing ice cream business. Someday, they intend to sell their farm to young farmers who will cultivate the land more intensively. When they do, the agricultural easement will ensure that the property is more affordable.

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97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

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New Film Highlights Farming’s Opportunities, Challenges

but also making cheese as a new way

and Taryn dream of the day that they

forward, one that may help the farm be

may own the property; yet at present,

more profitable.

they have little security to show for all

Ben Slayton is an artisanal butcher, and a new breed of middleman at the

their work.

Each story shows both hope and

center of the second story, “Pig Not

success, but also reveals the ever present

Pork.” Ben’s two butcher shops, Farm-

barriers and challenges facing farmers

ers Gate Market in Wales and The Farm

and local food entrepreneurs. These in-

Stand in South Portland, utilize a new

clude: the enormous difficulties inherent

distribution model that connects local

Mainstreaming Local Food to Institutions

Conference brings new ideas and stakeholders to the table On October 14, over one hundred farmers, distributors, processors, and institu-

Unity Food Hub. One focus of the conference was on

everyone a little more willing to take the necessary risks. This moves us closer to a

tional representatives gathered at Colby

sharing lessons from an ongoing project

food system that will better serve

College for a conference to explore ways to

called “Mainstreaming.” For the past year,

Maine farms and consumers. •

move more local food into institutions. The

this project has been working to create

in transitioning a farm from one genera-

event was co-organized by MFT and Farm

opportunities through which Maine farm-

farmers and consumers. This kind of

tion to the next; the need for new forms

to Institution New England (FINE). The fa-

ers might position themselves to sell to

infrastructure is necessary for a local

of agricultural infrastructure and new

cilities and food were generously provided

a major “broadline” distributor like PFG/

food economy to thrive. The film points

forms of local food businesses; and the

by Colby College, and Sodexo, which man-

Northcenter, which serves Colby and over a

out the need for forward-looking entre-

realities of how farmers and farming are

ages Colby’s food service.

dozen other Maine institutions.

preneurs like Ben, as well as the need for

often held back by inadequate access to

of Maine’s local food movement, and the

more consumers who are fully commit-

affordable land and capital.

uncertain fate of the farmers and farm-

ted to buying local.

Farming in Maine has a hopeful but uncertain future.

A new film, Growing Local, points to both the vibrancy and the growing pains

land that keep it alive. The

And throughout the entire film is the

The third story, “Seeding a Dream,”

recurring point that public and consumer

film is a collaboration between MFT and

showcases young farmers Ben and Taryn

awareness—though so much greater

Bridget Besaw of Seedlight Pictures. It

Marcus of Whitefield. Through bound-

now than ten years ago—is still not all it

recently debuted at the 2014 Camden

less energy and determination, they

needs to be, not if farming in Maine is to

International Film Festival to the gasps,

have revived an old farm and created

realize its full promise.

sighs, and applause of a packed theater.

a new store, Sheepscot General, which

Much of the growth in farming over

has become a centerpiece of the local

Watching Growing Local is a great way to learn more.

the past decade has been in smaller

community. And yet, they do not own the

farms that raise a variety of crops or live-

land they farm or the store they operate.

big and small, all over the state. Informa-

stock for direct sale locally, often through

They have been lucky that the landowner

farm stands, farmers markets, or rela-

is accommodating and generous. Ben

MFT will screen the film in venues

Maine farmers are increasingly selling

Another focus was on discussing the

to colleges, hospitals, and other institu-

myriad of barriers that need to be over-

tions. Colby College, for instance, now

come to see more growth. Institutions

purchases over 20% of their food from

have shown that they are committed by

local farmers, making it a statewide leader.

paying more for local products, but are

Though this is great to see, many feel

still limited by price and budget. Likewise,

that with the right strategies and support,

farmers are beginning to test the waters,

Maine institutions could be buying even

but are not yet sure that selling wholesale

more local food.

to institutions will prove practical or profit-

Clara Coleman delivered the keynote ad-

able. Beyond this, there’s still a lack of

dress, which highlighted how season-exten-

local infrastructure, including processing

tion about upcoming screenings can be

sion techniques could serve institutional

or aggregation facilities, which could help

found on MFT’s website. •

markets. Daughter of agricultural innova-

increase the flow of local product.

tionships with select stores or restau-

tor Eliot Coleman, Clara is an expert on

rants. There is opportunity for farming

“four-season farming,” providing consulting

Conferences like this help make each stakeholder more aware of the needs of

of this type— known as “local ag”—to

assistance to numerous Maine farmers,

the others. This increases transparency

thrive, but that is far from inevitable.

including two who are involved in the new

and establishes trust, which in turn makes

Land for Maine’s Future Supports Three Farmland Projects

Turner serves as a real community re-

be protected by MFT for agricultural use

source, providing local customers with

and sold to a local farmer. (No LMF funds

milk, eggs, meat, and vegetables. LMF

were used to protect the farmland, but if

The film contains three short vignettes, each focusing on a different challenge hindering the growth of local ag and the broader local food movement.

This first story, “Changing Hands,” visits one of Maine’s oldest organic dairy farms, Rocky Ridge in Litchfield, at an uncertain time of transition. Richard Beal hopes to pass the farm along to his son, Adam. Together they struggle to find a way to transition the farm with-

Three MFT projects have recently been

out putting either of them into crush-

granted funds from the Land for Maine’s

ing debt—a huge challenge given the

Future program (LMF). Funded through

economic realities of commodity milk

voter-approved bonds, LMF plays a critical

production. Richard’s daughter, Amanda,

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a sustainable food systems consultant,

role in a variety of conservation projects,

raises the prospect of not only milking,

including farmland projects.

• The 177-acre Nezinscot Farm in 97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

funds will allow Gloria and Gregg Varney

LMF funds had not been available for the

to re-invest in their farm, and make it

woodland, the overall project would never

possible to someday pass on it on to their

have happened.)

children.

• The 1790s Weston Homestead in

• The Wormell Farm is a 78-acre organic dairy farm in Cumberland Center, an

Madison is comprised of a historic house

area of intense development pressure. An

on 8 acres, 53 acres of fields, and 282

easement here is essential to keeping the

acres of forest. LMF funds will ensure that

land in agriculture and in the family. The

the forest will be protected by Somerset

Wormells will use LMF funds to invest in

Woods Trustees for wildlife habitat, work-

their dairy herd and farm infrastructure.•

ing forest, and public use. The fields will

97 Main Street, Belfast, Maine · 207.338.6575 · mainefarmlandtrust.org

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