This summer, MFT is excited to welcome two summer interns: Eric Day and Diego Valazquez.
Eric Day is working this summer with MFT’s Policy and Research Department on conducting research and analysis for the Wild Blueberry Sector Report, which is part of MFT’s State of Maine Agriculture Report Series. The goal of the Series is to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of sector-based agricultural trends for policymakers and others working on agricultural policy. The hope is that by informing those working on related policies about these trends, more targeted policies will be advanced that address the particular needs of Maine’s different agricultural sectors.
Greetings from Eric:
“I am excited to work for Maine Farmland Trust this summer! I am a passionate supporter of local agriculture and I hope to take full advantage of the chance to learn from a group of experienced professionals at MFT. Maine Farmland Trust is a model organization that provides true leadership when it comes to both growing our farming landscape, increasing awareness, and connecting people to their food. As a current student of our food system there is no better place for me to be. This fall I will be completing my last year as a graduate student at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service. I am pursuing a degree in Public Policy, Planning, and Management, along with a graduate certificate in Food Studies. Upon graduation, I hope to continue the work of addressing Maine’s most pressing needs: resource conservation, food security, local food education, and waste reduction.
When I am not researching wild blueberries, I work at Replenova Farm in Cumberland. To relax, I enjoy time in the woods with my puppy Ollie or exploring the amazing food and drink scene here in Southern Maine. Perhaps, I will find myself in Washington County or on top of a mountain this summer foraging for wild blueberries!”
Diego Velasquez will be working with our Outreach and Communications program this summer. He is a student entering his final year at Bowdoin College, working towards a degree in Environmental Studies and Government. Originally from a small town in rural Virginia, he developed a passion for the outdoors and storytelling. He furthered his interests in conservation across local industries while in Maine, and has refined his investigation into the environment by creating a podcast series focusing on waterfront development in Portland for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. For MFT, he will be able to continue storytelling through the podcast medium, relaying farmers’ stories surrounding climate change in Maine.
Greetings from Diego:
"I am incredibly excited to learn more about the community around me and tell the stories that need to be heard, both for farmers and Mainers alike. I am also looking forward to getting involved with Maine Farmers, a culture distinctly similar to the one I come from."
Welcome, Eric and Diego!
