Dear Farmer, Gardener, Or Grower

Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results February 24, 2012

DEMOGRAPHICS

PRIMARY FARM OPERATOR ONE

Age  18-25: 0  26-40: 7  41-55: 3  55 or older: 10

Gender  Male: 16  Female: 5

Are you a Bowdoinham resident?  Yes: 16  No: 1

How many years have you been farming?  <5: 3  6-10: 5  11-20: 2  20+: 10

How many years have you farmed in Bowdoinham?  <5: 7  6-10: 3  11-20: 1  20+: 9

Do you have an off farm job?  Yes: 11  No: 9  Winter only: 2

PRIMARY FARM OPERATOR TWO

Age  18-25: 0  26-40: 5  41-55: 4  55 or older: 0

Gender  Male: 5

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 Female: 4

Are you a Bowdoinham resident?  Yes: 7  No: 1

How many years have you been farming?  <5: 2  6-10: 4  11-20: 2  20+: 1

How many years have you farmed in Bowdoinham?  <5: 5  6-10: 1  11-20: 2  20+: 1

Do you have an off farm job?  Yes: 5  No: 4  Winter only:

FARM HOUSEHOLD

Is farming your household’s primary income?  Yes: 9  No: 11

Is your farm the primary source of your own food?  Yes: 9  No: 10  50%: 1

Net Annual Income from Agriculture  $0 - $2,000: 4  $2,001 - $10,000: 6  $10,001 - $40,000: 4  $40,001 - $80,000: 3  $80,001 - $120,000: 0  Over $120,000: 2

How many acres do you actively farm in Bowdoinham? 965.5

How many acres are:  Cropland: 125 (44 are organic)  Pasture: 141 (2 are organic)  Hayland: 421  Woodlot: 452  Other: 11

How many of these acres do you:  Own: 598.5  Lease: 305  Sublet: 0  Barter: 7

How many acres do you actively farm out of Bowdoinham? 60

Do you have a soil conservation plan? . Yes: 9 . No: 10 Do you have a woodland management plan? . Yes: 7 . No: 12 Do you have a nutrient management plan? . Yes: 7 . No: 11

If you do not have any of these plans, please describe why not? Top two answers: . Not required (yet) . Haven’t got to it (yet)

Do you allow public access on your land (trails, fishing, etc)? . Yes:18 . No: 2 Please describe why or why not and what uses do you allow? . *Snowmobile trail- over 1/2 mile long. * Deer hunting allowed to neighbors and others. * Access for Lobstermen for bait fish. *Turkey hunting allowed. * Do not allow ATVs due to summer fencing (electric) Also trail damage by ATVs. . Some ground is posted by property owners. . Hunting . Limited Non-motorized use. . No one uses it at this time. . Right now we have four operations going; goats (meat and milk) Returning old farmlandsto new chickens and farming land for fruit and vegatablesto feed the goats Page 3 of 16 Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results

and making pressed cheeses. People don’t put their money, effort and princibles over your personalities. I would like to introduce you to B.E.E.F. Bowdoinham Educational Enlightenment Farm. The newest project three years old, we've been working on in Bowdoinham. . Folks do come and walk/ski/snow shoe-most snomobiles go around the property instead of through the fields now. . It's open land, but no personal recreational vehicles. . Snowmobiling and hunting. . We allow any reasonable person to do any reasonable thing here. We let a few folks who ask permission to hunt and snowmobile. Anyone can walk through to access the abby or the Merrymeeting trail once it's in. . Yes by permission only, hunting, fishing, walking . hunting, trails-it is important to allow people access to the land so they can maintain a healthy appreciation for it. . The public is allowed on the land we lease. It is written into the conservation easementon this land, though it is not really advertised. The public is allowed to walk on the property. We don not offer any "pick your own" options at the farm, so ther is no public use in that way. . Hunting/ Snowmobiling . Too much trash-none. . Snowmobile trails, cross country skiing, hunting by permission only. . Traditional uses only-no snomobiles or ATVs . Snowmobile trail-previously existing and we snowmobile.

Is the land you farm in any sort of conservation easement? . Yes: 5 . No: 15 . 246 acres are under agricultural easements . 4 of the 5 stated easements were in perpetuity Why? . Land owners made the decision . This is because we consider this use very important and it is a tradtion in our family. Secondly, wewant to help maintain the rural character of Bowdoinham. . We did it because we had no choice when we bought the land from them. . We did not participate in process. . I've got chicken, duck and desire to have a working farm spaces within these places can you help?? Time, time, time money, effort. . Owners put it under easements.

If land is not currently in easements, would you consider one? . Yes: 6 . No: 6 If not, please explain why: . Too restrictive at re-sale. Also, already protected (sort of) through Farmland. . Do not want to limit my options for the future. . I think any easement that prohibits any subdivision is enough. I can't stand Maine Farm Land Trusts, tentacles all over us. Our easement is like 100 pgs! . I lease the land- not sure if this is an option for me. . Not sure we would need one. Page 4 of 16 Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results

. Not familiar with easement details. Do not want any restrictions on land use. I may decide to sell the farm and do not want to have any pay back in taxes.

Are you currently taking advantage of any tax reductions relative to your property (e.g. equipment or manure storage exemptions, current use, farmland, open-space, tree growth, etc)? . Farmland: 4 . Open Space: 1 . Tree Growth: 5 If no, why not? . Too much paperwork. . Leased land, not owned . Don't know any for our business. . Not enough acreage. . Not currently beneficial. . Not familiar with details. Do not want any restrictions on land use. I may decide to sell the farm and do not want to have any pay back in taxes. . Not big enough nor wanting my head cut off in spite of my face. Let's work together to create a working environment for new and old farmers. There is going to be lots of rules so lets work together for future farmer cost are minimum.

Has any new housing or commercial development impacted your operation? . Yes: 4 . No: 15 Please explain: . Neighbor installed new septic field onto our property affecting an area we were hoping to expand for orchard but is now contaminated. . Lack of set backs pose potential conflict. Previous Comp. Plan incorrectly designated area for growth despite being in tree growth and having farm operation. . Two house lots. . Right now if we can network all to a central location there is land available but not in the future and if we can work together different location with equipment, to do it right. . New neighbors resisted the spreading of state approved sludge after the Town approved the same. This eliminated source of fertilizer and lime.

If not, is this something you are concerned about in the future? . Yes: 7 . No: 7 Please explain: . If I was 20 years younger I would be concerned. . We are not concerned about this affecting our own farm since the land we lease is in an Ag. Easement and the rest we own. . I have plenty of land to expand into, but it will come out of grass. . Our society is full of bottlenecks, i.e. population growth, resource depletion, environmental degradation, etc. All of these impact the conduct of our society and the use of our land. . Too many people crowding around farm land is a dominant culture of potential complainers, who in most communities seem to win out. Any development on decent

Ag. Land is attrocious, on what we have left is of greater and greater value, food production wise. . I guess it all depends on what happens to George's land in the future. . I would because money talks others walk. People have done that with all that lands town farmers trust & state land. Land with no plan to make them work. Let get them making sound land management and let use farmers use the land for free, wow, now that's a real job for your committee. . would rather not have more houses in our area. . Adjacent development may spur land use changes which may restrict activities. . Cropland is valuable to farmers- Bowdoinham land is in beautiful location which would be very attractive to someone wanting to build.

If you operate on leased land, are you concerned that you will not be able to lease this land in the future? . Yes: 7 . No: 3 Please explain: . Most of the land is in prime development locations. Some land owners may plan to use land to "finance" the unknown as they age. . Although our leased fields are in a conservation easement, we do not hold a long lease. We technically sub-lease and get a new 5-year lease every year. This provides some buffer to any changes we may have to make, but it would be most secure to hold a longer lease (ideally for the duration of our lives.) . It is owned by IFW and they aren't in the business of letting farms lease their lands. They could change their policy any time. The land should be conveyed to some other agency or trust. . Land is currently "borrowed". If sold/ developed it would likely be unavailable. . Some of the properties are not under easements and if the parcels get sold-new owners may decide not to lease. We are working w/ a couple of owners and Land Trusts to get more property under easements. . Will sign maximum 10 year lease but would like more, need to work out w/ landlord. . When you have secure land tenure or only have a short term lease, there are very real limits on the kind of investments/infrastructure you can put on land. . If I was 20 years younger I would be concerned.

FARM OPERATION

What do you raise/grow/produce/offer for services? . Goats: 1 . Ducks: 1 . Hens: 3 . Beef: 2 . Sheep: 2 . Vegetables/Fruits:12 . Flowers: 4 . Honey: 2 . Hay: 6 . Firewood: 2 Organic: 4

Do you do any value-added production (canning, baking, smoking, etc) as a part of your operation? . Yes: 2 . No: 10

Are you willing/able to increase your operation in order to offer these value- added services or products to other farms and farmstores in the area? . Yes: 8 . No: 5

Where/how do you sell your products? . Wholesale: 4 . CSA: 3 . Farmers’ Market: 8 . On Farm: 4 . Internet: 1 . U-Pick: 1 . Auction: 2 . Retail: 2 . Restaurant: 3

Are there other markets/avenues in which you would like to sell your products? . Yes: 6 . No: 9 Please explain: . How do we get veggies into the school food program? Food Freaks? Home Ec/Ag. Programs? . Our business would benefit from another wholesale/ health food account. . Local, winter farmers market . We are very happy to sell at the local farmers markets and have been quite pleased with customer support. The resaurants and stores we sell to are a nice compliment to the markets as they provide beyond what we can sell at the farmers market. . Farmers Market, Farm stand, local business establishments.

. Local restaurants, Meat CSA, other farmers markets . restaurants . Always considering options to expand exposure.

How much of what you produce stays within Bowdoinham or one of the towns that abuts Bowdoinham (your best estimate)? . 0-10%: 6 . 11-30%: 2 . 31-50%: 2 . 51-70%: 0 . 71-100%: 4

Do you operate another, non-farm business or businesses on your property? . Yes: 5 . No: 11 If so, what type of business(s) . Self-Employed Engineer . Professional Office . Richmond- Agway Store . Small fiber works. . I am a self employed carpenter in winter.

How many people do you employ? . Year Round Full Time (FT): 3 . Seasonal FT: 4 . Year Round Part Time (PT): 25 . Seasonal PT: 31

Do you have access to affordable housing in Bowdoinham for you and your family? . Yes: 17 . No: 2 For your employees? . Yes: 1 . No: 8 Do you have on site housing for your employees? . Yes: 2 . No: 7

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

Would you consider having youth groups to your farm for a field trip or to do a project? . Yes: 9 . No: 9

Would you be interested in going into a classroom to speak to students about farming? . Yes: 10 . No: 9

Would you be interested working with the Maine Department of Agriculture to form and serve on an Agricultural Commission that would advocate and develop policy for farming in the mid- coast region? . Yes: 9 . No: 8

THE FUTURE OF FARMING IN BOWDOINHAM

Do you plan to be farming in 10 years? . Yes: 17 . No: 2 Why or why not? . There is nothing else I'd rather do . I love to grow things and be outside. . Something the community needs and likes to do. . This is my home, my refuge, my sanctuary-once one begins to build the soil and plant the trees they have made a long term commitment-mine is to my childrens' future in preparation for difficult times. . We love what we do and now own some of our own land. . Too old . If I'm still healthy-always have. . We enjoy raising the birds . Rest of my life is food control (local level) . Yes, as long as we are physically able. . Retirement.

In the long term what is your vision for the future of your farmland? (Mark all that apply) . Residence only: 0 . Residence and working Farm: 15 . Permanent conservation of land: 4 . Short-term conservation of land through Farmland Property Tax Program, Maine Farms for the Future Program, etc.: 5 . Partial development (sell some farmland for residential or other use): 4 . Fully developed (sell the farmland for residential use): 0

What are the impediments for you to expand your business? . I need to figure out water systems to wash vegetables, to irrigate and to drink, that are efficient and reliable. I know how to grow veggies-it's become apparent I don’t really know how to run a business. . This question assumes that everyone wants to "expand" their Business. We are happy with our current size, but strive to become more efficient and profitable. These are things that happen with time and experience. . Access to good soil. . Our own finances. . Time and energy, but also desire to remain small, diverse and self sufficient. . Access to more land, infrastructure to store more crops, availability of reliable employees. . Financial . Limited ability to expand property and financial constraints. . Access to land-either to lease or to purchase to help grow the farm business. Access to capital-to help purchase breed livestock. Currently all members active with the farm work full time and there is not enough time to focus on the farm itself. . Available customers . Available land. . Ambition/heavy clay soil not suited to large scale cropping. Page 10 of 16 Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results

. Sub-division Rules . Money. Time. On farm support (people_ who's going to do it because I'll be dead and no use for anything let. But if other people want to do the same thing lets us use your land, town equipment, support, seed support to grow for the locals. . We lease the land. We hope it stays in Farmland when we are done. . Land Use regulations, neighbors, high cost of fuel, equipment and repairs, feed, fertilizer, lime. Lack of capital.

What is the single most important factor in your decision as to whether or not to continue farming in Bowdoinham? . Access to fertile silt loam soils. . Access to good soil. . Other farmers. . SOIL type is what brought us here. Great place to raise a family. . hospitable climate . Independence . Owning a home and maintaining access to land. . Property tax . Our trees are already established on the property. . My father will always be farming in B'ham. For myself it’s a matter of housing affordability and land transfer. . Taxes . Personal reasons. . Health. Taxes-if I retire or am disabled/ill health, I'd have to sell lots to pay taxes etc… . Rules, your land available, TIME. . Availability of land. . Profitability.

Do you feel that the Town supports your operation? . Yes: 13 . No: 2 Please explain why: . I don't see any interest by the town except to collect taxes. . I grew up in B'ham and feel the town has always supported farmers by allowing them to do their work. . On the contrary, they oppose and will not open the TIF funds. Instead use the money for another town employee. Please open that account for infrastructure for farming. . They pretty much leave me be. . So far yes, but potential restrictions thru land use ordinances are a threat. . I have asked the town to leave me alone. . To some degree-most farmers' market sales are made in Brunswick. Whole lamb/beef sales mostly in B'ham. . Everyone is always inviting us to join B'ham farmers market and asking when the farm stand will be open . Neighbors have made land available to us to farm, we have some regular B'ham customers, everyone seems very accommodating of the "nuances" of agriculture (such as tractors on the road, noise, etc…) Everyone seems very enthusiastic to have active farms here. Page 11 of 16 Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results

. Because they offer me a local means for selling my products ( which I do not happen to use, as of yet) but also they have just recently sent me this survey which tells me we share a very vital interest. . No real support. Nothing unsupportive, but no real support either. . Right to farm seems to be a theme in town. Everyone seems very excited about all us new farmers. The comprehensive plan seems very pro-Ag. . Not financially, but morally. . Officially, the Town has taken a supportive position towards agriculture, but in procedure, we aren't sure the town knows we exist. . I'm not sure they know about my operation.

Do you feel your neighbors support your operation? . Yes: 16 . No: 3 Please briefly explain why: . Most of them do not know anything about farming except work is involved. . One neighbor complains a lot. . Leasing hay ground and using pastures. . They allow me to use their land. People in Bowdoinham are great, but the office isn't in. Stop Spending the fund, buy land, have something everyone can write the rules for having a farm. . All neighbors in both B'ham and Topsham are very enthusiastic to see us continue farming.

Would you be interested in any of the following in the town of Bowdoinham or in cooperation with neighboring towns: . Farmer’s buying cooperative: 7 . Wholesale cooperative: 2 . Retail cooperative: 2 . Direct marking cooperative: 2 . Butcher or other value added processing: 10 . Composting facility: 4 . Produce washing facility: 3 . Cold storage facility: 6 . Access to capital/financial assistance: 7 . Common trucking/distribution facility: 1 Other: . A good restaurant and bar that uses local produce and meats.

Would you consider being part of a local or regionally based network of trails or agri-tourism sites? . Yes: 5 . No: 9 Please explain: . I do not want any more people trailing through my property especially with large animals (cattle) about. Spring, summer and fall. . Mainly due to time constraints. . Biohazards . Not a place they would walk to. Page 12 of 16 Bowdoinham Agricultural Survey Results

. Trails invite (unintentionally) motorized traffic which is almost invariably destructive. There are many larger farms. . When we are fully operational, just not yet. . There are a lot of great farms in B'ham and many are along Merrymeeting Bay which is beautiful. Promoting the agriculture and ecology of the area is a wonderful idea. Even just a map of farms including what they offer product would be good. This could be in conjunction with a greater food and farm map/network could include restaurants that by locally etc. in surrounding towns. . Any way we can help people to appreciate nature and our community. . Don’t want people on the farm. Too much liability and hindrance to production. . Especially in the Merrymeeting trail goes through. We are right on it and would love to be an access site. We toy with doing a farm stand but are nervous about the bottom line, compared to other avenues of marketing. . Happy to invite people and give tours. . We are a working farm, few crops, a small factory. The land is open-we don’t discourage bird watchers or runners, but we certainly don’t want to encourage as the liability far outweighs any potential benefit.

What could the Town do to support your business? . Help figure out ways to get food into schools or other community programs. . Help provide CSA thru adds. . The town truly does a great job already. Our CSA appeared on the town website w/out our putting it there! Maybe farm tours or Ag days or "Bowdoinham Farm Lands" sign, not so much to make sales, but to educate and excite consumers in general. I like the idea of branding B'ham and promoting the fact that we have the most acres of organic farming in the state to help us market ourselves as being from Bowdoinham. . Tax incentives, lower taxes, annual incentives, good cheap health insurance. . All of question 7 would be tremendous! Maintain its rural character, protect our local environment, develop a sustainable framework for operations i.e. energy, resources, support, etc… . The town and citizens have been very supportive always. . We do not feel that the town restricts opportunities for our business. We are happy to have freedom to manage our business as we see fit. . I don’t think the town should be responsible to support business. However, when you have a town with over 20 farms and the concentrated numbers of certified organic farms in the state, the town should be helping to educate the community to buy local food. Additionally, the town should be involved in getting local produce and meat into the Community School and supplement lower income families to be able to buy from local farmers. . Nothing, just leave me alone. . Promote the value of local. . Keep taxes low on AG land. Keep regs at a minimum especially shoreland zoning; most of the soil suitable for intensive AG use is in or near shore of the bay or a river. . Provide land willing to support agri. Provide equipment; haying. . Allows us to continue to do what we do. . Lower taxes without having to comply with penalties (state laws)

What could the Town do to support agriculture in Bowdoinham? . Support farmers with health insurance and land tax exemptions so we can focus on growing food. . Rezone certain areas as "sensitive" where no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can be applied. The elephant in the room is the supposition that agriculture is agriculture. It is not. Our collective eco-system(s) and public health are too valuable to have folks dumping poison into the ground and everyone simplistically celebrating this kind of agriculture. If the town wants to promote agriculture as a sector for economic growth then the town needs to brand itself "organic". A zoning ordinance that banned the use of items found on the NPOs prohibited substance list affecting the river bottom land down by the bay and river, would support local agriculture in this regard. The town could offer space for working groups to meet who are trying to promote some of the ideas listed on this survey. It should be made clear that the tax payers of this community should not be asked to shell out any money to support our free enterprise beyond basic infrastructure such as road maintenance that we all benefit from. . Raise awareness of local farms. . Pass a plan that aggressively protects and promotes farmland. Farming is a great identity for the town to have. Already many young farmers come looking in B'ham to live and farm to be a part of the club. Look at the trend just in the last 6 or 7 years! Imagine where it could go. I KNOW! Posted roads in spring are always hard on all of us. There are certain Ag exceptions, but it's often difficult or impossible to get the exception. . Tax incentives, lower taxes, annual incentives, good cheap health insurance. . all of question 9 would be tremendous! . Limit residential development. . The town could come up with ways to incentives farmland protection and/or ways to promote intelligent development of farmland and surrounding properties. The town should gather an accurate inventory of farms and farmland in B'ham-this would help with future planning, farm projects, etc. A map would be useful. . Lower taxes . Enact land use regulations which recognize FARMS. There needs to be protections from close residential uses. The town must understand that residential growth costs more in services than the taxes generate whereas undeveloped land costs less in services than taxes paid. Provide education, support to families and schools and incentive to land owners to keep land open and in agricultural use. . Promote the value of local. . Keep taxes low on AG land. Keep Regs at a minimum especially shoreland zoning; most of the soil suitable for intensive AG use is in or near shore of the bay or a river. . Free the money. TIF FUNDS for farming infrastructure, land, equip, specialist for everyone to get there, central location. . Realize that farms have less impact on town services (school, roads, welfare, ETC…) and tax accordingly.

Please provide us with any comments or suggestions on the following Agriculture Goals for the Comprehensive Plan:

. Local food has to be affordable or available for everybody, not just the middle/upper class. We must get the kids involved thru programs connecting them with fresh local foods. . Agriculture is not a monolithic category. Locally produced is not synonomous with healthy and safely produced. While B'ham has a strong agriculture heritage and a promising future, the community needs to be selective as to hoe it develops in the area. There are many communities in New England that share this agricultural identity. However, B'ham is uniquely situated to be an all organic farming community (in certain areas) which would give the town a very specific "niche" within the agricultural sector. . Assist with long term leases and help find farming opportunities /employees . Move the B'ham market day to a weekend afternoon. The only Ag resources we have in town is land and I've already commented on protecting land. Be careful w/ "safe food production" I think we all consider ourselves safe as does MOFGA. No one wants mandatory GAP. . Any direct financial incentive like lower taxes. . Make land easily available to would-be farmers, support local food consumption, support sustainable farming practices. These are obviously part of a greater whole and are of major importance for out long term survival. We need to create a self- sufficient/sustainable community in the town of Bowdoinham in every way possible! Let's lead the way! If the town can create a system to provide all the food and energy needed in order for its citizens to live and in turn all the citizens would support the local system by buying local, we would not only support our farmers but also create many needed jobs in the implementation of this system, and above all, make our town far less susceptible to the crisis that lies ahead. . These all seem like good goals, worth pursuing now and in the future. . Have an "Open Farms Day" in B'ham so people can be aware of their local farmers. . B'ham is and still becoming an attractive town for many people to live in. There needs to be a balance between farmland and residential-less building of new homes in open space and more utilization of existing buildings. . All good goals; how to achieve them without unintended negative consequences is the difficulty. . These are your goals that are the most important but you have to a learning mentoringship (young to old) Commitment to have knowledge for young to old. Rules are important but setting up space for that to happen needs everyone's money. . Keep taxes affordable for property owners and make them aware of tax incentives so they can continue to afford to lease land to farmers.

Do you have ideas about what the Maine Department of Agriculture could do to help support farming in Bowdoinham and this region of the State of Maine? . We have had little or no interest in this particular bureaucracy, so we are not sure what services they currently offer, let alone suggest new roles for this agency. My sense is that this agency has traditionally been concerned with farms operating on a larger scale than what most of us in B'ham are doing. . Offer low interest loans. Offer marketing assistance. Get paid intelligent farm consultant to assist w/ long term planning. . They could pledge some dollar amount of grant money to B'ham farmers if B'ham passes a comp plan that protects farmland aggressively (maybe to a standard USDA could come up with). . Nothing I haven't already expressed. . Help protect land, provide land easily for would be farmers, provide planning assistance in implementing all of question 7 and 9! . No ideas at present. . More outreach for grant opportunities. The state should look at George Christopher's incubator farms as a model to be used statewide. . Some how encourage a butchering facility in the area. . Let's talk do they have fencing, land, equipment: FREE or is it for a certain person to work the money gut and lip service is great. . We feel the Dept. Of AG. is already extremely supportive of- and advocates for farming. . *Support Ag.-Disseminate Ag. Events info before they happen eg: the Maine Farm Show and the Maine Farm Days- Advertise More. * Realize that Ag. Is a large statewide business and a source of secure food. * Provide informational videos of various farming efforts and food sources for the general public. * Provide support of Ag. by tax incentives to ensure as much crop production as possible because of the secondary effect of making jobs for retail outlets (stores and farmers markets) * Control/Remove coyotes that harm and kill calves/ sheep.