NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
NEWSLETTER
PAID
Volume 18, No. 2
PERMIT NO. 30 FARMINGTON, ME
Fall /Winter 2019
97 Main Street Belfast, Maine 04915 phone: 207-338-6575 e-mail: info@mainefarmlandtrust.org website: mainefarmlandtrust.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
A Vision for the Future MFT adopts a five-year strategic plan
In This Issue:
Page 01: A Vision for the Future Page 02: Farmland Protection Page 03: Policy Page 04: Farm Viability Page 05: Fiore Art Center Page 06: Outreach Page 07: MFT Happenings
Thank You to our featured Business Members!
GIVE your year-end gift! mainefarmlandtrust.org/donate-now
We can’t do this work without you.
For a full list of our business members, and to find out how your business can join, go to: mainefarmlandtrust.org/business-members 97 Main Street, Belfast, ME 207.338.6575 mainefarmlandtrust.org
For the past two decades, we have worked with farmers and partners to protect critical farmland, supported farmers by helping them get on the land and grow strong businesses, and advocated for the important role farms play in our communities. As we look to the future, we know that our vision of a thriving agricultural landscape, where farms feed our economy, steward our natural resources, and nourish our communities, is possible, but it’s not inevitable. We’re at a critical turning point right now. According to the USDA Agricultural census, between 2012 and 2017, Maine lost 10% of its farmlandthat’s over 145,000 acres of pastureland, cropland, woodland and other agricultural land that is no longer being used by Maine farms. Development pressure is increasing in some parts of the state, and Maine farmers are nearing retirement without younger farmers working alongside them. Both new and established farmers face challenges in affording and accessing the land and tools they need to grow thriving businesses.
In 2019, we spent time listening to farmers and partners across the state, and in response, we’ve outlined an ambitious plan to accelerate the pace and scale of our work to meet the most pressing challenges facing Maine farms today. Over the next five years, we will re-focus our work to affect change in four important areas:
Thriving Farms
We envision a future where farmers can grow successful businesses with access to the land, markets, and support they need to thrive now and in the future. Our farmland is a precious and limited resource, and it’s the foundation for a strong agricultural economy. We need to protect Maine’s farmland and keep the land in farming by connecting new farmers to the land, supporting the transition of farms to the next generation, and helping farmers meet their business goals.
Healthy, Vibrant Communities
We envision a future where Maine communities value farms as essential to the overall health of people, the economy, and the environment, and to fostering a sense of place. Our communities thrive when farms of all scales and types are profitable and valued for what they provide – healthy food and farm products, open space, economic and environmental benefits, and community character.
97 Main Street, Belfast, ME 207.338.6575 mainefarmlandtrust.org
Stewardship + Climate We envision a future where farmers are integral to caring for Maine’s natural resources and can proactively respond to a changing climate. Maine farmers have long been stewards of the land, soil, water, and natural resources that we all depend upon. As our climate continues to change, farmers are on the frontlines and need to be prepared to adapt to unpredictable weather, storms, drought, and increases in pests and disease.
Equity + Inclusion
We envision a future where we understand how diversity, equity, and inclusion intersect with our work and with Maine’s farm and food systems, and work to eliminate inequity. We know that in order to create lasting and positive change within Maine’s food and farm systems, MFT needs to better understand the ways in which our work interfaces with these foundational issues. Maine has all the ingredients needed to grow a thriving, healthy farm and food economy that nourishes the land and our communities for generations to come. It’s up to all of us to work together to create the future we want for our farms, our communities, and our regional food system. Learn more on our website: mainefarmlandtrust.org 1