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Building Farm-Friendly Communities
After years of decline, farming in Maine is on the rise. But farmers still face challenges, and communities can help farmers address them. A new guide recently released by Maine Farmland Trust and American Farmland Trust provides specific examples and suggestions of what local officials and residents can do to support farming in their communities.
The newly published guide, Cultivating Maine’s Agricultural Future, describes some of what’s been in Maine communities to support local farms, including examples from Unity, Turner, Cape Elizabeth, Monmouth, and Bowdoinham. Beyond this, the guide provides a set of tools from which a town can chose those
best suited to its circumstances and situation.
Is Your Town Farm-Friendly?
Take this TEST to find out!
Does your community need assistance to help support local farms and farming?
Contact Maine Farmland Trust if your town could use help:
· Reviewing local ordinances to make sure they are farm-friendly
· Developing a working lands or open space plan
· Updating your comprehensive plan with an emphasis on the importance
of farming to your town
· Learning more about "current use" tax programs
· Considering a Voluntary Municipal Farm Support program
· Exploring the formation of an Agricultural Commission
· Conducting a community farm survey or economic impact analysis
· Starting a farmers market (or exploring other new market venues)
· Permanently protecting farmland through easements
Other Resources for Maine Communities:
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