Assessing the Needs of Southern Maine Farmers: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of Extension

Abstract

Southern Maine’s (York County) farming community is experiencing both growth and disruption as producers navigate opportunities and challenges shaped by shifting demographics, climate, and markets. A 2024 needs assessment identified key strengths, including diversification through agritourism, expanded access to resources via UMaine Cooperative Extension and USDA-NRCS programs, and emerging legislative support for PFAS remediation and sustainable practices. However, persistent barriers such as rising land costs, limited cold storage, labor shortages, and unpredictable weather threaten long-term viability. Knowledge gaps in business planning, labor recruitment, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) remain widespread. While Extension is valued as a trusted source of support, producers emphasized the need for more localized outreach, culturally relevant programming, and advocacy around small farm viability and land use policy. This assessment highlights the essential role of Extension in fostering resilience and shaping Maine’s future agricultural landscape through targeted, community-driven solutions.