Frith Farm is a diversified, certified organic farm on 14 acres in Scarborough, Maine. Daniel Mays grew up outside of Philadelphia, and while in graduate school for environmental engineering, realized that he wanted to be a farmer. He began his search for land on Maine FarmLink, and was able to buy the farm thanks to a purchased easement negotiated with MFT, the Town of Scarborough, and Scarborough Land Trust. Now, six years later, Daniel has transformed the acreage into a rich and biodiverse farm where he raises organic vegetables and herbs, as well as pasture-raised eggs, chicken, pork, and turkeys.
“I love growing soil, and feel connected to this land through these last six years of adding to and improving the soil. Seeing it respond in the form of healthier plants and larger harvests has been very rewarding. I also love seeing my customers connect with the place through CSA pickups, cutting their own herbs and flowers, and spending time walking the farm and visiting the animals.” –Daniel Mays
The easement that protects Frith Farm ensures that the land will remain available for farming far into the future. But it also kept the purchase price reasonable for a young farmer, while the family selling the property received fair market value for their family’s farmland. It was win-win for everyone involved, including the surrounding community, who now reap the benefits of living near a vibrant, working farm in southern coastal Maine, an area facing ever-increasing development pressure.
“Farming is one of the few lines of work that has the potential to have a fully positive effect on local communities and the environment as a whole. It has the potential to generate and regenerate natural resources instead of consuming them; it is one of the few truly sustainable endeavors that humans engage in. I farm because of this, and also out of selfishness: I am my own boss, make my own hours, and spend my time outdoors and active.” –Daniel Mays
You can find Daniel’s goods at two local farmers’ markets, the Portland Food Co-op, and Lois’ Natural Markets in both Scarborough and Portland locations. Customers can also stop by the welcoming barn store at the farm, and Daniel provides over 100 CSA share customers with fresh veggies and farm goods throughout the growing season.
Portland Food Co-op and MFT will host a community discussion about growing access to good food at Frith Farm on June 25th. Space is limited, so if you’d like to join, RSVP by sending an email to meghan@mainefarmlandtrust.org. We hope to see you there!
