Purchase of Development RightsAs the result of projects coordinat-

ed by the Maine Department ofAgriculture, Maine Farmland Trustserves as holder for conservation ease-ments protecting Five Fields Farm inSouth Bridgton and McDougal Or-chards in Springvale/Sanford. Fundingfor the purchase of these easementscame from the Land For Maine’sFuture and USDA Farm and Ranch-lands Protection programs. This tool,generally referred to as “purchase ofdevelopment rights,” provides farm-land owners with a payment in ex-change for permanently restricting thedevelopment potential of their land.

Five Fields Farm, owned by Tomand June Gyger, has been in the fami-ly since the 1920’s. It is an ideal site

for an apple orchard. Much of its 215acres is a high east-facing slope thatcan be irrigated with a 23-acre siphon-fed-pond. The farm produces a num-ber of apple varieties, and in additionoffers skiing on its recently construct-ed cross-country trails. For the Gygers,the sale of development rights madegood sense. “Now there is perma-nence, which is not only good for thefuture of the land but good for thecompany buying my crop from year toyear,” said Tom.

McDougal Orchards, owned byHanson Farms, Inc., is also a long-timefamily farm, known well by area farmcustomers, apple aficionados and

cross-country skiers.“For 225 years eachgeneration of theHanson /McDougalfamily has done itspart in keeping thisfarm going,” said BobMcDougal. “Now, bypermanently restrict-ing non-agriculturaldevelopment, we’vemoved that effort intothe future.” AddedBob’s son Evan, “Ourfamily feels that

southern Maine needs to have someagricultural land left available forgrowing crops. In this part of Maine,the hayfield to houselot conversioncontinues almost unabated. We want-ed to make sure that at least some agsoils historically farmed remained forfarmers of the future. It is a labor oflove for the land, respect for the farm-ers before us, and an appreciation for afulfilling lifestyle of providing locallygrown food for our neighbors.”Donated Conservation Easements

For a variety of reasons, many land-owners elect to protect their farmland

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The well-known Five Fields Farm in South Bridgtonwill forever be available to produce apples and otheragricultural crops.

Protecting Maine Farmland StatewideEWSVOLUME 5, NO. 1 SUMMER 2006

McDougal Orchards in Springvale was permanently protected by “bargain sale”of development rights, thanks to the generosity of Bob and Priscilla McDougal.

On the inside■ Eating Local in Maine, p. 3

■ Maine FarmLink:How Leasing Can Work –Dairyman Chris Lewis, p.4

■ New FarmLink CoordinatorEsther Lacognata, p.5

■ Meet the New Executive Director John Piotti, p.6

Agricultural ConservationEasements, whether sold or donated by farmland owners, are key to preserving land for future farming in Maine.

MAINE FARMLAND TRUST SUMMER 2006 PAGE 2

with a conservation easement forwhich they receive no payment in re-turn. These are referred to as “donatedeasements.” Like purchased ease-ments, donated easements perma-nently restrict development of thefarmland, and Maine Farmland Trust,as holder, has the responsibility to en-sure that the restrictionsare upheld over time. MFThas recently accepted do-nated easements on MillerFarm, Westmanland, andJohnny’s Selected Seeds,Albion/Winslow.

Rob Johnston, Jr., andJanika Eckert, owners of in-ternationally known John-ny’s Selected Seeds, donat-ed easements on their twoparcels of farmland, total-ing 164 acres. “Loss ofavailable land has alwaysbeen a concern for Rob andme, as we see so manyfarms being divided up,”said Janika Eckert. “We saidwe never want that to hap-pen to our farm, so we de-cided to take steps to really protect it.”Taking into account the current usesand future plans for the farm, the re-strictions in the easements allow foradditional farm buildings and the pos-sibility of one more single-family resi-dence, but require that these be sitedso as to keep the most productive soils

Continued from page 1

Protecting Farmland Statewideavailable for farming.

Donating the first easement held byMaine Farmland Trust in AroostookCounty, Steve and Barbara Miller ofWestmanland protected their 85-acreorganic farm and woodlot as part oftheir long-range plan to transition theland to a next generation farmer.Miller Farm is an “off-the-grid” opera-tion that has produced a variety of

crops over the years but now primarilyproduces honey and honey butters(Miller’s Hives ‘N Gardens), nurserystock for Fedco Trees, and raspberries

and blueberries sold locally.“We have learned a lot sincewe began farming here in1973,” said Steve. “We arelooking to get someone in-volved in the farming andgradually pass the farm on tothem. And protecting the in-tegrity of the farm with a con-servation easement has beenan important first step,”added Barbara, “We think wecan provide the tools neededto survive in what may not be,in the future, a kinder andgentler society. We would liketo pass along what we havelearned.”

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Janika Eckert and Rob Johnston ofJohnny’s Selected Seeds protected 164acres of farmland in Albion and Win-slow. Johnny’s is internationallyknown for its seed stock.

Steve and Barbara Miller donated a conservation ease-ment on their 85-acre organic farm and woodlot inWestmanland. This is MFT’s first easement in AroostookCounty.

Wish List■■ Power Point Projector■■ Digital Camera■■ Fireproof Filing Cabinet

If you can donate any of these items,

please call us at 207-338-6575.

Thank you!

PAGE 3 SUMMER 2006 MAINE FARMLAND TRUST

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In a recent interview, New York Timesfood writer Michael Pollan distin-

guished between “buying organic,”which is becoming increasingly indus-trialized, and “buying local.” He alsomade the connection between farm-land conservation and eating localfood:

… more of your values are supported bybuying local than by buying organic.Because that local buying decision is alsoan act of land conservation – you areprotecting farms in your communityfrom sprawl by keeping those farmsaround.

Pollan continued: Those beautifulagricultural landscapes outside ofBoston, all over New England, will notbe saved by environmental groups. Theywill be saved by eaters. With some helpfrom the land trusts, definitely, but keep-ing that food chain going is as important

as writing checks to environmental or-ganizations.

Of course, there are many other rea-sons to eat local foods in Maine. Hereare a few:

It tastes better. It hasn’t beenripened on a truck fromCalifornia or a container shipfrom Chile. How could one ex-pect food that has traveledmany miles to the supermarketto measure up to fresh, locally-grown food?

It’s healthier. Locally grownorganic or naturally grownfoods depend on improving thesoil, not treating it with chemi-cal fertilizer, pesticides, andherbicides;

It boosts the local economyby direct payment to thefarmer;

You can ask how the farmanimals are raised and whatthey are fed. Find out if thebeef, chicken, or lamb that youbuy locally has been feed-lotfinished, crowded or otherwisemistreated, by asking the pro-ducer face to face; and

Locally grown eggs are fresh-er and more healthful. (Su-

permarket eggs are designed to be onthe shelf for as much as six months).

How does one find local food, otherthat what the supermarkets offer?Well, it may (or may not) surprise youthat there are approximately 65 farm-ers’ markets spread throughout thestate, and at least 74 CSAs*, with atleast one in every county. In addition,there are over 600 farmstands andgreenhouses in Maine. The best placeto start on your journey to find yourlocal farmer is to log on to the MaineDepartment of Agriculture’s website(www.getrealgetmaine.com). For anup-to-date listing of CSAs, go to theMaine Organic Farmers and Gardenerssite (www.mofga.org). Finally, whileyou are on the Web, take a look at thewebsites for Eat Local Foods Coalitionof Maine (www.eatlocalfoods.org) andthe Maine Foods Network (www.mainefoods.net) to stay current withothers who promote local foods inMaine. So, buy local, and prepare toeat well!

*CSAs (Community Supported Agricul-ture) are farms supported by membersfrom the community who buy shares in afarmer’s crop for the growing season. Atypical arrangement would be $300-400for 20 weeks of produce.

Eating Localin Maine

A wide variety of fresh local produce can be found at farmstands, farmers’markets and CSAs* all over Maine.

2005 Financial ReportIncomeContributions $122,492 Grants $58,986Program Fees $1,385Other Income $2,246Total Income $185,109Transfers from Board Restricted Funds $13,611Total Income and Transfers $198,720

ExpensesProgram $164,810Management $7,742Fundraising $9,597Total Expenses $182,149Transfer to Stewardship Account $7,000Total Expenses and Transfers $189,149

Net $9,571

Account BalancesBoard Restricted Funds $91,812Unrestricted Funds $85,463

Net Assets $177,275

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MAINE FARMLAND TRUST SUMMER 2006 PAGE 4

his family members and friendslive there, and he really wantedto stay close to home.” He wasin a situation similar to manyyoung farmers, in that he hadexperience and some livestock,but did not have the capital orthe credit he needed to buy afarm.

Unfortunately, the smallamount of farmland that re-mains in that part of the state isgenerally unaffordable forfarmers, and there is very littlefor rent.

After looking at a number ofoptions, FarmLink connectedChris with George Christopher,and he leased George’s dairyfarm in Bowdoinham in April,2004. George has offered Chrisa lifetime lease if he chooses tostay. “It is an arrangement thatworked out for both ofthem. Chris had only a fewweeks left to find a place, andGeorge needed someone to takeover his dairy,” Susie re-ported. “They have partneredvery well together, and Chris has beenable to save money and prove to loanofficers his ability to succeed.

Chris’s dairying experience goesback to when he bought his first cowat age 13. Since then, he has slowly in-creased his herd. When he was 17 hehad nine cows, and now he’s milking60—the limit of what he thinks he can

do as a one-person operation. Chrishas changed some things from theway he grew up farming. He sayswhen he was younger he thought ro-tational grazing was crazy, but now heputs his cows out in May and grazesthem into the fall. The goal of his op-eration has stayed the same through-out—to produce high-quality milk

from well tended cows.With the experience, the

work ethic, and some of thecows, all Chris Lewis neededwas the right land and facili-ties to be a successful dairyfarmer. The lease with Georgeprovided just that. Moreover,with his lifetime lease, Chrishas the option to stay there ifhe wants. Susie commented,“This is something we’reworking to have happen for alot more young farmers whodon’t have the equity to buy afarm outright.”

Of course, Chris mightsomeday again look to Farm-Link. Because the lease ar-rangement has allowed himto build some equity, he may

decide to try to buy a farm sometimein the future. In fact, Chris has beentold by his lender that if he found asuitable farm they would be willing tofinance him. In that case, GeorgeChristopher’s land would be availableto help another young farmer getstarted.

How Leasing CanWork: Dairyman Chris Lewis Linked with George Christopher Land

WHEN CHRIS LEWIS contacted Maine FarmLink, he was working on hisgreat uncle’s dairy farm in Berwick, Maine. His uncle had decided to sell

the farm for development, and Chris had been given about a year to find a newplace to farm. Chris didn’t know where to go and was under pressure to move hisfarming operation. A friend gave him a Maine FarmLink brochure and Chriscalled Susie O’Keeffe, program coordinator, to see if she could help. He says Susiedid everything she could to find him a farm.

“I really felt for Chris,” Susie reported. “He grew up in Southern Maine, all of

The lease to Chris Lewis has been critical to his successin building his dairy operation.

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PAGE 5 SUMMER 2006 MAINE FARMLAND TRUST

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A Note From LouAnnaIn the last newsletter, I reported that I would

be leaving Maine Farmland Trust. However, aspart of all the changes the organization is goingthrough, a new role has been created for me.I’m happy to report that I will remain with MFTon a part-time basis, as legal counsel and landsproject manager.

– LouAnna Perkins, former Executive Director MFT

by Susie O’Keeffe

IT IS NOT WITHOUT some regretthat I leave my post as coordinator

of Maine Farmlink. After all, this pro-gram is something I helped establishand then worked to shape and devel-op over the past four years. However,as other challenges call to me, I am de-lighted that Maine Farmland Trust hashired a dynamic, experienced anddeeply committed person—EstherLacognata—to take over my dutiesand move FarmLink to the next level.

With over 30 years experience inagriculture and rural communitywork, Esther is the perfect person todo the job. Most recently, she hasworked as a community planningconsultant, preparing comprehensiveplans in a number of mid-coast Mainetowns. In the 1980s when she was di-

rector of the Bureau of Agriculturaland Rural Resources of the MaineDepartment ofAgriculture, Estherprepared legisla-tion to createMaine’s farmlandpreservation pro-gram, which is cur-rently part of theLand For Maine’sFuture Program.Esther has alsoserved as managerof Maine’s Coastal Program, and com-missioner on the Land Use RegulationCommission (LURC). These experi-ences, among others, have cultivatedEsther’s strong commitment to pro-moting and protecting Maine’s agri-

cultural heritage.Maine FarmLink, and what it

stands for in my mind –a future for local agri-culture with manybright and diverse possi-bilities – is an idea I be-lieve in deeply, and oneI have enjoyed bringingto life here in Maine. Ivery much appreciatethe confidence thatMaine Farmland Trusthad in my ability to cre-

ate this program. I am pleased to passit on to someone who not only sharesmy deep commitment to agriculture,but also possesses the skills needed toconnect the next generation to theland and farming.

A Bright Future forMaine FarmLink

Susie and Esther go over FarmLink details, preparing for Susie’s departure.

New FarmLink Coordinator

Esther Lacognata brings over 30 years ofexperience in Maineagriculture and ruralcommunity work to her new position.

What is FarmLink? Protecting farmland from devel-opment is an important step to-wards fulfilling the mission ofMaine Farmland Trust. But be-cause the majority of Mainefarmers are now of retirementage, getting new farmers on tothe land is also imperative.Many farmers who wish to retiresimply do not have anyone inthe family who is interested intaking over the farm. Likewise,many people who want to farmdo not have the family or re-sources to help get them started.Maine FarmLink is a program ofMaine Farmland Trust, connect-ing next generation of farmersto the land and resources theyneed to keep Maine’s farms vi-able now and into the future.

For more information,please visit our website atwww.mainefarmlink.org

ON JULY 1, John Piotti of Unitybegan service as executive direc-

tor of Maine Farmland Trust. John isvery familiar with MFT, having servedon the board of directors for the pastsix years, and as theboard’s vice-presidentfor the past four years.

“John is the perfectperson to move MFTto the next level,” saysboard president FrankMiles. “He has an ex-emplary record of suc-cess within non-prof-its. And he is totallycommitted to Maineagriculture and MaineFarmland Trust.”

John created theFarms Project atCoastal Enterprises,Inc. (CEI), a state-widecommunity develop-ment corporation witha national reputationfor innovation and ef-fectiveness. During 11years at CEI, John and his staff helpedover 400 Maine farms become moreprofitable through a variety of initia-tives, including the highly successfulFarms for the Future program.

John is also a State Legislator. Herepresents eight rural towns in west-ern Waldo County and chairs theCommittee on Agriculture, Conser-vation, & Forestry. He led the Legis-lature’s effort to stabilize and supportdairy farms in 2003-2005. More re-cently, he led the challenging effort to

get the Legislature to approve addingKatahdin Lake to Baxter State Park.John will balance both jobs by scalingback his work for MFT when Legis-lature work is most intense.

John has been aforce behind many ofthe strides Maine hastaken to boost smallerfarms and to createnew markets for localfarm products. Hecontributed to Maine’sAgricultural ViabilityTask Force, Dairy TaskForce, and Millenni-um Commission onHunger and FoodSecurity. He has alsoserved as a past chairof the Northeast Sus-tainable AgricultureWorking Group and apast director of theNational Campaignfor Sustainable Agri-culture.

John’s professionalaccomplishments have been recog-nized nationally. In 2005, he was oneof only eight Americans selected to re-ceive the prestigious EisenhowerFellowship. As a Fellow, John studiedsustainable agriculture in Sweden andfarm polices at the European Union inBrussels.

But John’s primary interests arefound much closer to home. “I got in-volved in agriculture almost 15 yearsago, when a local dairy farmer and Ico-chaired Unity’s ComprehensivePlan Committee,” John explains. “Heand other local farmers challenged meto learn more about farming. I beganto understand the struggle many farm-ers face, but also to see how farmscould play a bigger role in Maine’s fu-ture.”

John views farmland preservationas a critical part of keeping Maine agri-culture vital.

“Helping a current farmer make aprofit is not enough,” he explains.

“Many profitable farms will not sur-vive a transition to a new owner, if thefarmland sells at its developmentvalue. To secure farming’s future, weneed to permanently protect farms, sothey can be purchased in the future attheir value as farmland, not houselots.”

That is exactly what MaineFarmland Trust is doing. “There is nomore important work in Maine agri-culture,” says MFT’s new executive di-rector.

MAINE FARMLAND TRUST SUMMER 2006 PAGE 6

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Frank Miles, President, Cape ElizabethWilliam Bell, Vice-President, HallowellSteve Page, Secretary, SearsmontRussell Libby, Treasurer, Mt. VernonPaul Birdsall, PenobscotDeborah Chapman, RockportNeil Crane, ExeterBambi Jones, AlnaSusan Morris, Waldoboro

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Susan Edwards, BrunswickChristopher Hamilton,

Whitefield and BahamasJames P. Hastings, SkowheganJo D. Saffier, PownalR. Collin Therrien, AugustaArthur Thompson, Presque IsleAdrian Wadsworth, North Turner

STAFF

John Piotti, Executive DirectorLouAnna Perkins, Legal Counsel

and Project ManagerDenis Thoet,

Development CoordinatorEsther Lacognata, FarmLink

CoordinatorKristin Varnum,

Administrative Assistant

Maine Farmland Trust97 Main St.

Belfast, Maine 04915207-338-6575

e-mail: info@mainefarmlandtrust.orgwww.mainefarmland.org

New Executive Director Brings Proven Skills, Vision

New Executive DirectorJohn Piotti: We mustgreatly increase theresources for preservingfarmland in Maine.

Planned Giving:Include MFT in your will.

A bequest to support farmlandprotection is a great way toleave an important legacy.

For more information, contact the Maine Farmland Trustoffice at 207-338-6575.

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PAGE 7 SUMMER 2006 MAINE FARMLAND TRUST

Name ________________________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone ________________________________________________________

e-mail ____________________________________________________________

PAYMENT: CHECK ENCLOSED VISA MASTERCARD

Credit Card No.: _______________________________________ Exp. _______

Signature: _____________________________________________

Mail to: Maine Farmland Trust, 97 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915.

Membership Categories: Individual ...................... $25Family ............................ $45Contributor ................. $100Sponsor........................ $250Sustainer ...................... $500Patron ........................ $1000

I would like more information. Please contact me.Please contact me about protection options for my farm property.

Additional donation $ ______________________ .

Maine

Farmland

Trust

We’re the only statewide land trust devoted exclusively to farmland protection. Our budget is primarilyfunded by individual donors and mem-bers. Please join us. With your help, wecan meet the challenge.

Maine Farmland Trust is a non-profit organization, and membership dues and donations are tax-deductible.

Foundations & Corporations

The Apple Lane FoundationAustin AssociatesThe Betterment FundBidwell AssociatesBirch Cove FundPaul Browne & SonsThe Margaret E. Burnham

Charitable TrustCamden National BankCastine InnThe Cedar FundCoastal Enterprises, Inc.The King and Jean Cummings

Charitable Trust FundDavis Conservation

Foundation

Dirigo SolutionsThe Dorset FundThe Harold Dudley

Charitable FundThe Harvest FundThe Falcon Charitable TrustFarm Credit of MaineThe Leonard C. and Mildred F.

Ferguson FoundationFisherman’s Wharf InnGood Tern Co-opThe Harraseeket InnDon Johnson AssociatesLiberty GraphicsThe Libra FoundationMaine Farm BureauMaine Community

FoundationMaine InitiativesMaine Island Kayak Co.

The Mildred H. McEvoyFoundation

The Norcross WildlifeFoundation

Paris Farmers’ UnionPatagonia OutletThe Quimby Family

FoundationThe John Sage FoundationTom’s of MaineTreekeepers, LLC –

Johnson’s ArboricultureThe Anna Marie and

John E. Thron FundViking Lumber, Inc.The D.K. Webster Family

FoundationThe Wright Place

MembersTo our 656 members for their generous support.

Gifts in KindTo Maine Farm Bureau for useof their conference room forour board meetings and annu-al meeting.

To Flatbreads Restaurant forhosting a benefit on Decem-ber 27, and to the donors ofraffle prizes for this event: $100 Gift Certificate from

Johnny’s Selected Seeds,won by Bonnie Lounsburyof Auburn

$50 Gift Certificate from ParisFarmers Union, won byAnna Smith of WestGardiner

Two fleece vests fromPatagonia, won by Ted Bridge-Koenigsberg ofNaples and Bob Critchfieldof South Casco

Common Ground Fair Posterfrom Maine OrganicFarmers and GardenersAssociation, won byNatalie Lounsbury of Alfred

Signed copy of Groundswell byAlix Hopkins, anonymousdonor, won by Amy Sprague of Alfred

Thank Youto those who have continued to generously support Maine Farmland Trust’s operations and programs, including:

���������������

97 Main Street / Belfast, Maine 04915207-338-6575

e-mail: info@mainefarmlandtrust.orgwww.mainefarmland.org

Established in 1999, the purpose of the MaineFarmland Trust is to permanently preserve and protectMaine’s agricultural lands; to assist landowners, landtrusts, and municipal and state agencies in identifyingand protecting agricultural lands; and to make thoselands available to farmers.

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DPERMIT NO. 46BANGOR, ME

Moving.Making transitions.And doing good work!Read all about it inside!

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Maine Farmland Trust has moved to 97 Main Street in Belfast. Staff,board members and volunteers lent their muscles and organizing skills forthe move during the last week in June. The new storefront location willprovide high visibility for our programs and services. Our new phone num-ber is 207-338-6575.

Maine Farmland Trust Moves to Belfast

www.mainefarmland.org and

www.mainefarmlink.org

Check ’em out!✔ information✔ stories✔ resources✔ links✔ membership info✔ how you can help

New websiteslaunched!