Farmland in Maine is at risk. The 2022 Census of Agriculture showed that in the decade spanning 2012 and 2022, Maine lost almost 230,000 acres of farmland and more than 1,100 farms. In addition, access to farmland, whether to buy or lease, is increasingly difficult for farmers across the state due to dramatic increases in land prices, a growing interest in farmland from non-farming buyers, the rapid pace of solar development on agricultural land, and PFAS contamination of farmland. From local ordinances to leasing town-owned land to farmers, this session will explore strategies a town can take to protect and support access to farmland. Attendees will hear from three panelists with first hand experience using municipal tools to protect farmland and promote farmland access.

Presenter: Thacher Carter, Municipal Policy Associate, Maine Farmland Trust

Moderator: Shelley Megquier, Policy and Research Director, Maine Farmland Trust

Panelists:

Stacy Carter – Conservation Planner, Town of Lincoln, MA                                                      

Tom Poirier – Director of Community Development, Town of Gorham                                                        

Ben Smith, AICP – Principal Planner, North Star Planning