Maine Ag - Springtime in Maine 2024

EVERYWHERE THERE'S A FARM, THERE'S A CHANCE TO SUPPORT IT.

Amidst the storms that swept through Maine at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, leaving a trail of severe damage to our agricultural businesses, a tremendous outreach and an exchange of information has occurred between the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the affected farms and producers. DACF has been working to understand the scope of agricultural losses, including infrastructure damage and animal impact. We and our colleagues at local, state, and federal agencies use this information to inform decision-making, allocate resources, and plan for the immediate response, our longerterm recovery efforts, and our readiness for future storm events. Overall, we are amazed by the resilience of our farming community and impressed by the numerous stories of friends and neighbors immediately rallying to help impacted farms quickly get back on their feet.

Simultaneously, the release of the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture has shed light on the changing landscape of Maine's farming sector. Maine experienced declines in the number of farms, farmers, and essential sales figures. The number of farms has decreased, farmers have slightly reduced, and crucial sales metrics, including direct food and organic sales, have experienced declines. Sadly, Maine is not alone, as the national trend shows many other states with farmland and agricultural sales declines.

The Census underscores the pressing need for DACF to emphasize that everywhere there's a farm, there's a chance to support it.

Since 2019, DACF, other state agencies, and partners have set a goal to increase access and infrastructure to support a variety of agriculture, food, and farm product accessibility and showcase the role of farms in rural communities. We must continue building upon our efforts and take immediate action to address our agriculture sector's challenges using solutions that match the farm’s business goals.

Amid these challenges, the significance of the Real Maine marketing campaign becomes increasingly evident. Real Maine is the state's agricultural branding program. The core of the program is two-fold. First, Real Maine strives to connect growers, processors, wholesalers, and distributors across the state, country, and globe. Next, Real Maine assists its business members to become more informed and confident about their futures. This clarity, for example, can help farms diversify and expand their businesses.

Our Real Maine website (RealMaine.com) is the central location for farmers and wholesalers to introduce themselves to consumers who value and depend on healthy, high-quality Maine-grown, raised, and made products. Real Maine meets its goals by promoting and advertising the features, benefits, and diversity of the state's agricultural products. Hundreds of diverse farm and food businesses are listed in the Real Maine directory. Visitors to the site can map itineraries to visit these locations, view their websites, and learn about farm products and more. Membership in Real Maine is free.

Real Maine members get resources and support, including local, regional, and national advertising; agritourism events like Maine Open Farm Day; and trade shows and business partnerships. Members can also use a developing toolkit, including training, evaluations, and resources for beginning farmers and farms aspiring to expand. The toolkit includes numerous easy-to-use templates for working farms needing customized resources. The Real Maine logo is highly recognizable and used by members to represent high-quality products and events. Members benefit from Real Maine item tags, stickers, flags, and more.

Start your Real Maine journey today. Leaf through this Real Maine publication's pages and learn more about our state's vast array of farms and farm products. Then, move to RealMaine.com to tour its resources. That means finding what's in season, healthy recipes, yearround farmers' markets, farm stands, and more. Business owners are invited to learn more by contacting our Division of Agricultural Resource Development team to discuss everything from training opportunities to evaluations.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we come together to support Maine's agriculture. Whether purchasing Maine products, advocating for policy reforms, or raising awareness about the challenges faced by our farming communities, each action contributes to building a stronger and more resilient future for our agricultural sector. Let us harness the momentum generated by these recent events to enact positive change and ensure a vibrant future for our farmers and their families.

Thank you.

Amanda Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Checklist of Spring Activities to Celebrate Maine Agriculture

By Real Maine

Find Maine flavors and farm goods wherever you shop. Spring is a great time to shop at a local farmstand or farmers’ market where you can buy a variety of products. Look for Maine-brands when grocery shopping at a local retailer or supermarket—many stores showcase Maine brands. If you are looking for a particular item, feel free to ask!

Find more inspiration at www.realmaine.com/spring

CSA sign up time! Late winter to early spring is ideal for planning your summer produce or flower shares. Consider offerings that pair with local businesses, subscription boxes, or pre-orders and delivery.

Maine Maple Sunday® The 4th weekend in March is always Maine Maple Sunday® . Tour sugarhouses across the state! If you miss this event, don’t worry! Many farmstands and sugarhouses sell pure maple syrup year round so you can enjoy it every season.

National Agriculture Week! Celebrate your favorite farmers with us. Maine offers a variety of agriculture and quality farm products. If you have one you want to recognize on social media, use #MaineAgDay #RealMaine

Fiddleheads! RealMaine.com has recipes and tips for these delicacies that are foraged from the head of the ostrich fern just as it’s emerging from the ground— well before it unfurls.

Pause to appreciate the flowers on orchard trees. By March, most of the pruning of the orchards are complete and soon, with the help of good weather, tiny flowers signal the coming of autumn apples.

Seedling sales! There’s plenty of time from March to June to entrust farmers to start more than a few of your favorite seedings. The seedlings will benefit from a healthy start before transplanting into your backyard garden.

Find your Maine fibershed connections at the Maine Fiber Frolic! The event is geared toward celebrating fiber, fiber animals and fiber arts. Visit www.fiberfrolic.com for details.

Look for Maine milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy goodness. The seasonal shift to summer begins in June, which is Dairy Month. Use RealMaine.com to find your favorite Maine dairy products to celebrate the arrival of summer!

Celebrate Maine Farms and Products with a Real Maine Roadtrip!

It’s easy to search for farm products and experiences across Maine. Simply visit realmaine.com where you can search farms and more — or create a roadtrip of farms and businesses to explore. You can even share your itinerary with friends and family or on social media. And, if you’d like, you can print your customized trip plan to carry with you during your travels.

Happy exploring!

Visit realmaine.com to get started!

1. Visit realmaine.com/itinerary

2. Select “View All Members” button to locate dozens of Real Maine members.

3. Narrow your choices – use any of these methods for easy filtering:

• Type keyword(s) or location in search fields. Optional: Select a distance. Click “Use My Location” for real-time location settings (requires location access on your browser or device).

• Click an icon for a pre-filtered assortment of business categories.

• Use the checkboxes to “Refine Your Search” by Activity (for example, PYO), Farm Products (for example, Fruit), Ways to Buy (for example, Retail, Farm Stand), etc. Locate “Refine Your Search” on the left side of a computer screen on a PC or the bottom of a mobile device screen.

4. Add a stop to your trip by clicking the add to my trip button on the member profile.

5. Click “View your trip” to see your curated list. You can adjust your list as desired.

6. Optional: Share with others, save or print.

Celebrate Maine Maple Sunday®

Did You Know...

Maine Maple Sunday®

Visit a sugarhouse March 23-24

It is a well-known rite of spring and tradition for many Maine families – making the trip to sugarhouses for Maine Maple Sunday® weekend. The event, the first of its kind in the nation, is in its 41st year.

The 2024 edition of Maine Maple Sunday® weekend will be held March 23 and 24. Some sugarhouses will be open both days, while others may be open for one day.

Visitors can expect maple syrup samples and syrup-making demonstrations at more than 100 sugarhouses statewide. Other Maine Maple Sunday® sites offer games, activities, treats, tours, music, and more.

Maine produces 575,000 gallons of maple syrup each year

Maine is the third-leading maple syrup-producing state, behind Vermont and New York

There are about 2 million maple tree taps in Maine

The process of making sugar and syrup from the sap of the maple tree was developed by Native Americans of the Northeast and has remained relatively unchanged Somerset County, Maine, is the top maple syrupproducing county in the U.S.

The sugar in maple sap appears when warm, sunny days and below-freezing nights follow each other for several days

According to the medical journal Pharmaceutical Biology, pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants

It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup

Enjoy Pure Maine Maple Syrup Year-Round!

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find Maine maple products at sugarhouses, farm stands, local grocery stores, and through Mainebased online retailers. And be sure to look for the Maine pure maple syrup “Official Sweetener of Maine” logo.

Tips For a Successful Visit:

Each site is different: Review schedules and hours of operation, complimentary or ticketed activities, etc.

Dress for the weather and the season: Changing temperatures, melting or accumulating spring snow, and mud puddles are common.

Before you head out check for any changes – use local listings, webpages, social media, or call the business.

Follow farm rules: Stay in visitor areas. Stick to established trails and roads.

To find participating sugarhouses, go to the Events page on the Maine Maple Producers Association website at mainemapleproducers.com. Several Real Maine members (www.RealMaine.com) will be taking part.

MARCH 23RD - 24TH

9AM-4PM EVENTSAND ACTIVITIES100%WOOD FIREDEVAPORATOR

Walking Toursof our Maple Orchard

Tree Tapping Demonstrations

Warm Beverages and MapleTreats

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Can't make it?Noproblem, as ourmaple syrupcan also be purchased online! Foradditional informationand directions visitour websitebelow.

www.beaverhillplantation.com

FAMILY OWNEDAND OPERATED SINCE2011

All About Growing Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the most popular produce items harvested locally in spring. To learn more about the versatile vegetable, we spoke recently with Lee Graham of Real Maine member Woodstock Asparagus Farm, which has been in business for nearly 30 years. Graham shares her knowledge by teaching a three-hour course on growing asparagus.

Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant. Tell us more about how it is planted and how it grows.

Asparagus can be grown from seed but is more commonly grown from root crowns purchased from a seed company or a local farm supply store. The crowns are planted in a deep ditch about a foot apart. As the tiny first-year asparagus grow, gradually fill the ditch to ground level. Do not pick any of the tiny first-year stalks; let them go to ferns, which feed the roots.

It is imperative to keep the bed well-weeded, as asparagus is easily choked out by grass. A heavy mulch of grass clippings will help keep the weeds down and provide nutrients. Asparagus will grow in almost any soil but are heavy feeders. Be sure to do a soil test prior to planting and yearly, amending the soil as recommended.

As the ferns die back in late fall, trim them carefully so as not to dislodge the roots and discard the stalks. After the ground freezes, cover the bed with a few inches of straw to prevent winter damage. In the second year, the plants should send up a bit thicker stalks. It is OK to pick a few for a week or so, but let the rest grow again to feed the roots and establish a strong bed. Keep weeding and mulching! By the third year, the bed should produce well enough to pick for three or four weeks. By year four, a good bed can produce for up to six weeks if picked daily. We start picking about the 20th of May and pick until the first of July.

What qualities should folks look for when trying to find the freshest asparagus?

times of the year, asparagus may come from out-of-state or, more likely, Mexico or Peru.

Should asparagus be put in water until used?

I always store asparagus upright in water. It will dehydrate quickly and lose flavor and nutrition if it is not.

Fresh asparagus are firm and have tight heads and lightcolored, wet stem ends. Believe it or not, the thicker the stalks are, the more tender. When preparing asparagus, always snap off the lower, tougher part of the stem. There is no need to peel fresh, local asparagus.

Ask where the asparagus was grown. Local asparagus sells quickly and will likely be very fresh. It will also be available only in May, June, and early July. At other

What is something Mainers might not know about asparagus?

Don’t boil it! If you were served mushy asparagus as a child (and hated asparagus), try roasting it, grilling it, or just eating it raw! It is delicious and very nutritious. Amazingly, an asparagus stalk can grow 8-10 inches on a hot, sunny day!

Asparagus Risotto

Woodstock Asparagus Farm suggests asparagus is a perfect addition to risotto.

Ingredients:

1 pound asparagus, trimmed

2 cups vegetable stock

6 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 small onion, minced

12 ounces arborio rice

1 cup dry white wine

Pinch of saffron threads

¼ cup freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese

Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the asparagus in salted, boiling water until crisp-tender. Drain and cool under running water; cut into 1-inch pieces.

2. Bring 4 cups of water and the stock to a boil in a saucepan. Cover and keep warm.

3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons

5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until almost evaporated. Add just enough stock to cover the rice and cook, stirring, until the stock has been absorbed.

4. Stir in the saffron and continue stirring in stock, ½ cup at a time, until nearly absorbed between additions. The risotto is done when the rice is al dente and suspended in a creamy sauce (approximately 25 minutes). Stir in the cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

5. Fold in the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper.

Variation: Add shrimp

Season ¾-pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Add shrimp and cook over moderately high heat, turning, until just white throughout (approximately 3 minutes). Transfer to a plate. Fold in shrimp when you fold in asparagus.

Apples

Asparagus

Apples

Asparagus

Beans (Snap, Wax)

Beets

Beans (Snap, Wax)

Beets

Blackberries

Blackberries

Blueberries, High Bush

Blueberries, High Bush

Blueberries, Wild Broccoli

Blueberries, Wild

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Cantaloupes

Carrots

Cauliflower

Cantaloupes

Carrots

Cauliflower

Corn (Sweet)

Corn (Sweet)

Cranberries

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Garlic

Grapes

Cranberries

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Garlic

Grapes

Kale/Collards

Kale/Collards

Leeks

Leeks

Lettuce/Spinach/ Mixed Greens

Lettuce/Spinach/ Mixed Greens

Mushrooms (Cultivated)

Onions

Parsnip

Peaches

Peas

Pears

Peppers

Plums

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Radishes

Mushrooms (Cultivated)

Onions

Parsnip

Peaches

Peas

Pears

Peppers

Plums

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Radishes

Raspberries

Raspberries

Squash (Summer)

Squash (Summer)

Squash (Winter)

Squash (Winter)

Strawberries

Strawberries

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Tomatoes

Turnips

ign-up time for CSA (communitysupported agriculture) shares is happening! Late winter to early spring is a good time to choose upcoming vegetable, fruit, or flower shares.

Maine farms offer different ways to buy local, fresh goods. You can choose one that meets your level of need, convenience, and preferences. Subscription boxes and pre-ordering are good choices to build a local grocery list. Some add the convenience of delivery. If you prefer self-selecting local farm products, choose a share you can use at the farm or farm stand.

You can find local farms that offer CSA shares in the searchable database at www.RealMaine.com.

Tomatoes

Turnips

Watermelon

Watermelon

Food Programs for Older Adults

Real Maine would like to highlight two programs this spring that connect older adults with food.

Maine Senior FarmShare Program

The Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFP) provides income-eligible older adults the opportunity to receive a share (worth $50) of local produce at no cost from Maine farmers during the growing season.

To take part, a person must be a Maine resident, be 60 years old or older (or 55 years old or older for Native Americans), and meet income guidelines.

More than 100 farms in Maine, distributed across all 16 counties, are authorized to participate in MSFP.

Sign-up for MSFP begins each year in April. Older adults can contact an authorized farm to enroll. Participants must re-enroll yearly and may only sign up with one farm yearly. Shares are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to note when your farm closes for the season so that you can use your full share.

To learn more, visit www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/seniorfarmshare, call (207) 287-3491, or email SeniorFarmShare.AGR@maine.gov. Older adults can also call their Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides income-eligible Mainers aged 60 and older a monthly box of shelfstable foods. The foods are 100 percent American-grown, nutritious, low sodium, low sugar, and purchased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each box contains eight food categories, including fruits/juice, vegetables, meat and non-meat proteins, rice/pasta, cereal, milk, and refrigerated cheese.

Each box is built in Hampden by Good Shepherd Food Bank and distributed to more than 140 sites throughout Maine. Visit www.maine.gov/dacf/csfp to learn where to apply.

These projects have been funded at least in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Students Enjoy Local Yogurt from Milkhouse

Five school districts serve their K-12 students yogurt produced at the Milkhouse, a family-run organic farm in Monmouth. Several more schools will purchase the yogurt in April to align with dairy as the featured ingredient in the Maine Harvest of the Month Program.

Andy Smith, who runs the Milkhouse with his partner Caitlin Frame, says that Maine Farm & Sea to School incentive programs encourage schools to purchase more local food, which is very helpful: “We love the fact that it gets our products in the hands of very socioeconomically diverse consumers. We like that we are feeding kids.”

The farm milks 40 Jersey cows to produce four types of pasteurized organic yogurt – plain, maple, blueberry, and Greek style – and raw milk. When Horizon Organic stopped buying its milk in 2018, the Milkhouse diversified its customer base and began selling to schools. Milkhouse yogurt is also sold at their farm store, independent grocery stores and co-ops, and Hannaford stores, and they hope to begin selling to the University of Maine soon. They partner with Misty Brook Farm in Albion to manage their distribution.

To learn more about Maine’s Local Foods Procurement Program and how to increase farm-to-institution sales, contact Brittany Peats, Maine DACF Institutional Market Development Coordinator, at brittany.peats@maine.gov.

Ways to Support Maine Farmers Year-Round

Maine is fortunate to have a variety of agriculture. By supporting farms, we help ensure working landscapes thrive, agriculture remains a cornerstone of our state, and quality farm products are accessible and available for generations to come!

Farms across Maine continue to grow high quality food and farm products, and they are available year-round at many places. As you explore Maine farms this spring, and year-round, consider these recommendations – especially if you’re visiting a farm, farm store, or market, or picking your own.

Look for listings of local farms to support. RealMaine.com is a good place to start.

Keep farms healthy — stay home if sick or not feeling well.

Call ahead! Seek current schedules for daily and seasonal updates.

Ask farmers how to enjoy farm products year-round!

Is there pre-ordering or online shopping? Do they offer subscription orders like gift boxes, ‘freezer beef and meat,’ or CSA shares? Can you find their products at supermarkets, farm stands, or stores? Does the farm use social media or newsletters to share updates and product tips?

Follow farm rules. Stay in visitor areas. Keep pets at home.

Looking to explore outdoors on farmland and woodlots?

Ask permission. Things change seasonally to support the farm. A winter ski trail might become a summer hayfield or crops. What looks like an empty dirt road may instead be a path to safely move livestock or farm equipment.

Bring an insulated container. Keep cold foods cold, and hot foods hot for quality.

Carry-in, carry-out trash and recyclables.

Always clean fresh produce before eating and preparing; don’t eat until at home.

Use good hygiene before, during and after visit. Always clean fresh produce before eating and preparing; don’t eat until at home.

Be aware, travel with care. Sharing the road with farm equipment on roadways during planting and harvest seasons is part of supporting local farms. Don’t crowd. Patience is appreciated.