We are thrilled to share that we have successfully reached our fundraising goal to protect the Blaisdell Brothers Family Farm in York! Thanks to a wide-range of donors, Maine Farmland Trust will be able to partner with the Blaisdell family to place an agricultural conservation easement on one of the last working farms in York, ensuring that these 86-acres will be available for farming forever.
The broad support for this project is a testament to how important farms are to our communities, and demonstrates the commitment to protecting working landscapes for the long-term. Many people reached out over the last year to share stories and personal connections to this farm. We are excited that future generations will be able to create their own connections to this special place.
The work we do together has lasting impacts. Protecting this farm:
- Protects farmland in an area threatened by intense development pressure amid rising land values and a volatile real estate market.
- Bolsters future food security by ensuring the region has farmland to grow food.
- Helps make farmland more affordable for farmers now and in the future.
- Supports the social, economic and overall well-being of the York community.
In the coming months our land protection team will be finalizing an official closing date, which we anticipate will take place in mid-summer. We look forward to celebrating when Blaisdell Brothers Family Farm officially becomes a Forever Farm!
We would like to give special thanks to York Land Trust and Maine Coast Heritage Trust for their fundraising support and partnership on this important project.
In 2022, Maine Farmland Trust is planning to protect an additional 10 farm properties in Southern Maine. If you are interested in learning more about these projects and getting involved, reach out to Katie Boss (kboss@mainefarmlandtrust.org).
Thank you for being a vital part of the work to protect farmland, conserve important natural resources, and support the future of farming across the state.