The Blue Hill region has a number of farms which are the foundation of a thriving local agricultural economy. Maine Farmland Trust’s agricultural conservation, farm network, and policy programs work together alongside a strong community network to support long-term viability of this local food system.
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Active farms in the region are on some of the best agricultural soils in the area. Many have succeeded with support from the ground up.
MFT’s history in the region and collaboration with Blue Hill Heritage Trust goes back to our roots, when our early founders worked together to protect Horsepower Farm (top photo) and Quill’s End Farm, establishing the framework for farmland protection statewide.
Since then, MFT has protected several Blue Hill area farms with agricultural easements that BHHT will steward in perpetuity, so that this rich farmland can sustain farmers long into the future (and at a more affordable price). MFT has also supported these and over a dozen farms in the wider region with additional resources to help them thrive.
There is an especially dense cluster of farms along Route 15 from Orland to Blue Hill that MFT and BHHT have worked together to protect and steward, and/or have participated in MFT’s programs.
With so many protected farms keeping quality farmland intact and available for farming, newer generations of farmers have been able to establish as older generations have retired. And together, these farms have created a thriving regional market that’s right-sized to their scale.
With abundant wild blueberry lands and farms producing everything from vegetables and fruits to meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, there is enough supply and variety to power FarmDrop (a local food hub), the Blue Hill Co-Op grocery, and several farmers markets. A shared commercial kitchen at the Halcyon Grange has enabled farmers to expand their offerings (and profits) with value-added products like jams, lard, and baked goods. Farmers share equipment, trade resources, and promote each other. With each farm’s success, the entire food system grows.
“We’re really grateful to live here. A bunch of farms are close together because of this little stretch of terrific soil. We help each other out; we all want to see each other succeed.” – Lorelei Cimeno
Reid Calhoun and Nicolette Burtis of Moon Beam Farm in Blue Hill are partnering with MFT and BHHT to protect their farm with an agricultural conservation easement, which will also help make the farm more affordable. Reid worked on several farms across Maine before establishing Moon Beam Farm; last fall, he purchased the 56-acre property to expand the operation. Reid farms full-time and Nikki helps out as she can. Their long-term vision includes honing in on their favorite crops and scaling up for wholesale, alongside the variety they produce for farmers markets. Once the farm is protected, the easement will be held and stewarded by BHHT.
“I worry about farmland on the Blue Hill peninsula turning into ‘agricultural getaways’ where the land is valued for its beauty, instead of its ability to feed people. I’ve wanted to work with MFT for a while, because I’ve seen how much MFT’s work matters to keep farms in active agriculture.”– Reid Calhoun
For 25+ years Maine Farmland Trust has supported the needs of Blue Hill area farmers, whether they are ready to protect their farmland, take their farm business to the next level, adapt to the impacts of climate change, or share their wisdom and experience in advocating for their peers. When we act as a community, we can uplift farmers in the Blue Hill area and across Maine to grow a durable agricultural economy that feeds our families, neighbors, and friends.
Charlie Baldwin, Farmland Protection: cbaldwin@mainefarmlandtrust.org
Anna Fiedler, Development Officer: afiedler@mainefarmlandtrust.org
Fiona Gordon, Sr. Development Officer: fgordon@mainefarmlandtrust.org