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.
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 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 Blue Hill Heritage Trust 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.
Northern and Central Maine
Co-Director, Farmland Protection
207-338-6575
bsykes@mainefarmlandtrust.org
Southern Maine
Co-Director, Farmland Protection
207-338-6575
ccabot@mainefarmlandtrust.org
Southern Maine
Co-Director, Farmland Protection
207-338-6575
ccabot@mainefarmlandtrust.org
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