Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Engineer: Amy Browne
Farms and Food System—the work of Maine Farmland Trust
Key Discussion Points:
How did MFT come to be and what are some of the elements in the timeline since it was started?
Thumbnail sketch of farming and farmers in Maine in 2018 and what trends are playing out?
Have the issues affecting farmers and farmland changed over the last twenty years?
How have your programs evolved… how are you advancing your mission today?
Farmland Access: Maine Farmlink, Maine Farms Realty
Farmland Protection: Purchased Easement Program, Buy-Protect-Sell
Farm Viability: Farming for Wholesale, Maine Harvest Bucks, Business Planning
Stewardship
Outreach & Public Policy: Maine Farms Journal, Art Gallery & Josheph A. Fiore Art Center, Policy & Research
Guests:
Amanda Beal, President, Maine Farmland Trust
Erica Buswell, Vice President of Programs, Maine Farmland Trust
Brady Hatch Morning Dew Farm, Newcastle
Eleanor Kinney, board member for Maine Farmland Trust