According to a recent report from the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the state’s organic farming industry is confronting significant economic and demographic challenges despite long-term expansion.
According to the research, the state’s sales of organic products more than doubled between 2007 and 2022, reaching a total value of around $50 million.
However, according to MOFGA executive director Sarah Alexander, such figures conceal a recent decline in sales of some goods.
We are aware that there have been some notable declines in the dairy industry in particular. However, we also saw that [drop] in vegetables, followed by other crops like maple and hay,” she said.
Alexander also reported an increase in sales of organic poultry, grains, and flowers.
The aging of Maine’s farming crew and the high expense of operating a farm are highlighted in the research as long-term obstacles.
“The number of organic farmers in Maine is getting older, and younger farmers aren’t replacing them as fast,” said Jed Beach, a farmer, consultant, and co-author of the paper.
Nevertheless, the study discovered that in 2022, organic farming in Maine had a total economic impact of $74 million.
