Sep 6, 202220 min read

MAINE FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVES: BARRIERS AND OPTIMISM TO PROVIDING FOOD TO FEED MAINE PEOPLE

sunflower at a community garden in Portland, Maine, Eastern Promenade

This is blog post #3 of a three-part series. For Chapters 1-2, see post #1. For Chapters 3-4, see post #2.

CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION

This study was unique because the topic of feeding fresh, local foods to Maine people was approached from the perspective of Maine farmers. Participating farmers represented most agricultural sectors in Maine, including producers of beef, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. Farmers using organic and conventional methods were included, as well as large commodity producers, those with small, diversified farms, and younger and older farmers. When these farmers considered why they farm, and the future of farming in Maine, themes related to nutrition and food provision emerged. Farmers stated factors that were working well, or presented as barriers for farming in Maine and their capacity to provide food to feed Maine people.

These results may be beneficial for nutrition professionals who want to better understand Maine farmers’ perspectives regarding food provision to Maine people, or for those making policies that affect both agriculture and nutrition. They may be especially interesting to civic leaders who would like to boost the Maine economy and in turn have a positive impact upon the environment and the health of Maine residents.

Many themes were mentioned in more than half of the focus groups, showing that they are important to a variety of Maine farmers. In terms of barriers, themes that were mentioned in more than half of the focus groups included financial concerns (including divisions in Maine farming and farmland affordability), regulations (including food safety regulations for two agricultures), what is needed to provide healthful food (including adaptation to food and fuel prices; increased infrastructure for processing and distribution; marketing, research, and economic development; and education). In terms of optimism, themes that were mentioned in more than half of the groups included reasons to farm (including personal enjoyment and sense of responsibility; community and family connection; and healthful food access), increase of young farmers, increase in small, diverse farms, and local foods. In terms of capacity to feed Maine, the themes mentioned

in greater than half of the groups were practical barriers to feeding Maine, and yes, we can feed Maine. The themes mentioned in more than 50% of the focus groups demonstrate the concern and importance that farmers across a wide variety of the focus groups had for these issues. However, themes mentioned by fewer than 50% of the groups are also important, and shed light on farmers’ perspectives. These themes will also be considered in the discussion.

young farmer with a flock of chickens at dawn

5.1. Barriers to Farming in Maine and Providing Food to Feed Maine People

Many of the barriers towards providing food to feed Mainers that emerged from this project were similar to barriers that Maine farmers have described (Ross, 2005; Berlin Lockeretz, & Bell, 2009; Smith, 2004a; Smith 2004b). Some farmers in the focus groups wanted to talk about barriers even when asked about their optimism, demonstrating their strong feelings about these obstacles and a desire to overcome them. For some farmers, the focus group meetings were a platform to air grievances and to have their voices heard in hopes of facilitating change. This research uncovered a landscape of struggle affecting farmers and consumers that can be overcome with direct intervention.

Farmers from every focus group agreed that financial concerns were one of the major barriers to overcome; they expressed a fundamental need to make enough money to continue farming. Divisions in farming and farmland affordability were the two most widely voiced financial concerns. Consistent with findings from this study, Smith (2004a) and Ross (2005) found that money to purchase farmland, train new farmers, purchase upgrades, and continue farming was a huge issue for farmers. Both Smith (2004a) and Ross (2005) were also concerned about the costly market value of agricultural land, making it too expensive for farmers to afford, as were farmers in this study; Smith (2005) considered this financial hurdle in relation to urban sprawl, and Felder (2011) mentioned the loss of agricultural lands as a barrier for those who want to enter farming. Issues of general profitability and the need to upgrade equipment or face fines were not mentioned by more than half of the groups in this study, but the intensity of these comments still warrants attention because they also affect farmers’ ability to remain in farming, an issue of foundational importance. If Maine loses farms because farmers cannot afford to continue farming, Maine is losing valuable sources of food production.

Farmers in over half of the focus groups also identified regulations as a barrier. In this study, over-regulation, as well as unclear and inconsistent regulations, were described as destructive and limiting for Maine farmers. Farmers in this study said that divisions (small/large, north/south, conventional/organic) created by a “one-size-fits-all” regulatory system and affected Maine farmers’ sense of equity with one another, as well as profitability. As a result, farmers felt unjustly and unfairly regulated. Farmers in this study identified smaller and mid-sized farms as those hurt most by this system. Similarly, Ross (2005) found that farm credit programs favored commodity farms. Smith (2004a) also reported a need to develop a shared vision and policy for Maine farming, and to work with policy makers to help Maine agriculture thrive.

Food safety issues surrounding raw milk and poultry were concerns expressed by Maine farmers. These issues were not addressed in the previous literature cited within this study. However, Maine farmers expressed a true desire to follow regulations, to produce a safe, healthful food product, but the inability and lack of support in meeting these regulations fueled farmers’ frustration. Farmers requested support, such as the need for clearer, less conflicting regulations that allowed them to meet guidelines, and the need for assistance in meeting regulations rather than being fined.

Barriers to providing healthful food were considered within this study in terms of what is needed to provide Maine-produced food to Maine people. A lack of healthful food choices was mentioned in four of the focus groups, three of which took place in Aroostook County. Aroostook County is rural, with vast distances between towns, and has its own unique needs in terms of food provision and access. Ironically, it is also the part of the state with the largest contiguous tracts of agricultural land, and a deep history and culture rooted in farming.

organic Maine-grown swiss chard

Adaptation to food and fuel prices was described by farmers in over half of the groups as a large hurdle to providing healthful food, and considered by Felder (2011) in a previous publication. Smith (2004b) said farmers believed their processing capacity is huge. In this study, Maine farmers agreed that there is huge capacity, but there is also huge need. Maine farmers from all sectors reported a heartfelt need for gristmills, canneries, slaughterhouses, and distribution networks. Felder (2011) also found that farmers talked about decreased processing opportunities in the state, and increased fuel prices as barriers to farming, as did farmers within this study. Piotti (2011) was hopeful in the recent increase in processing opportunities.

“Get Real, Get Maine” marketing was mentioned as a point of optimism, but Maine farmers in more than half of the focus groups believed that more marketing, coupled with research and economic development, could be done to promote their products as nutritional and to develop value-added products. Ross (2005) echoed these sentiments. One farmer asked for more money to be funneled into the state land grant universities to fund research that promotes Maine farming. This need for promotion underscores the need for greater support if Maine farmers are going to continue to produce more food for Mainers.

Aroostook MicMac farmers described new marketing ventures and niche markets, such as indoor farmers’ markets, The Salad Palace (a restaurant concept using fresh lettuce to create a value-added salad), and an aquaculture farm. It is important to note that these marketing ideas have not been implemented yet, and to remember farmers’ requests for financial support. Aroostook County is an area of the state identified in this study as lacking healthful food availability; efforts could focus on generating revenue for innovative agricultural ventures in such areas of high need.

Competition with supermarket pricing and selection were mentioned as barriers for Maine farmers, similar to those in Ross’ (2005) study. Farmers within this study cited difficulty offering their products at supermarkets. Beef farmers spoke in particular about Moo Milk at WalMart, where WalMart organic milk is sold much cheaper alongside the Maine brand, and where other Maine products potentially could be, but are not, sold. Felder (2011) and Beck and colleagues (2011) supported similar ideas, speaking about

the low amount of local offerings in supermarkets, other than staples such as apples, milk,

potatoes, eggs, and seafood.

The importance of increasing educational efforts was a fundamental issue depicted by many farmers across more than half of the focus groups: the two farmers’ market groups, organic, MicMac, blueberry, and agricultural tradeshow farmers. The need for education was supported in the literature, discussed in relation to food culture norms, disconnection from food sources, and SNAP recipients’ reliance on food kitchens (Beck et al., 2011; Ross, 2005). In order to increase Mainers’ knowledge of cooking with fresh foods, farmers suggested educational programs designed to teach people how to cook with raw ingredients. The establishment of agricultural training programs (vocational or traditional school programs) was seen as important for preparing the next generation of Maine farmers. In addition, Maine farmers cited a need to create a culture in all Maine secondary schools where farming is accepted and encouraged as a viable profession.

Farmers in three of the focus groups (organic, Orono Farmers’ Market, and Belfast Farmers’ market) identified institutional markets such as schools and hospitals as important future markets. They mentioned more needs to be done to help gain access to these large, consistent markets, which would allow them to reach more people with fresh, Maine food. For many customers, particularly low-income consumers, the price of food is also a major barrier. Several farmers struggled with the conflict between making a profit and providing healthful food to low-income customers. Members of two focus groups (Orono Farmers’ Market and organic) suggested increasing the ease with which vendors at farmers’ markets accept government-funded food benefits. There was strong support and sense of concern for this issue among farmers in these groups, which was echoed in the literature as well (Felder, 2011; Ross, 2005).

two brown hands holding at least six small fish

MicMac farmers expressed concern about pollution in Maine waters and their ability to farm healthful fish. Most Maine farmers may have other concerns that took priority at the focus groups, or are not linking their major concerns to environmental pollution. They may or may not see natural resource pollution as a concern. For whatever reason, it is interesting that only the MicMac group voiced opinions about natural resource degradation. It would be informative to examine this issue further. Another interesting issue to explore would be why the Orono and Belfast Farmers’ Market groups, organic group, and MicMac group expressed civic concern for environmental and social issues such as pollution, food access, and education, although the concern for education and growing healthful food to share were each shared by three other groups as well.

Regardless of the farming group to which they belonged, farmers all clearly called for greater financial and regulatory assistance, the need for infrastructure, the need to adapt to fuel and food prices, and the need for greater marketing, research, and economic development. Just as important are the issues mentioned by fewer groups, such as the importance of healthful food availability, getting local foods into public institutions, increasing low-income customers’ use of farmers’ markets, and protecting natural resources. Maine farmers have energy and vision to carry farming into the future as a vital part of the Maine economy and culture. They have outlined specific barriers, but need assistance overcoming them, a process which is integral for the continued success and vital presence of agriculture in Maine.

two brown and white cows in a sunset field full of wild plant life

5.2. Optimism in Maine farming and in providing food to feed Maine people.

Maine farmers were optimistic about many issues previously described in the literature (Ross, 2005; Berlin and colleagues, 2009; Smith, 2004a; Smith 2004b). Though farmers identified more barriers than points of optimism, the overwhelming hope in what is going well for farming and food provision in Maine conveyed a sense of strength, power, and future focus.

Farmers representing more than half of the focus groups stated that they chose to farm for reasons of personal enjoyment and sense of responsibility, community and family connection, and healthful food provision. Many Maine farmers feel “called” to provide good food for those who can’t grow it themselves and to steward and preserve farmland into the future. There is motivation beyond self-gratification, a belief in their mission of service that creates a sustaining source of energy and bodes well for the future of farming in Maine. The concept of having belief in a greater purpose is supported by research demonstrating that farmers care about food security issues from the perspectives of social justice and environmental sustainability (Welsh and MacRae, 2011). An additional source of motivation to farm found in this study is a social and economic connection to the community and to family, echoed by Ross (2005). Farming is a lifestyle deeply rooted in building connected relationships among Maine people. Thomas Lyson (2004) alludes to this concept, speaking about the importance of civic agriculture and the mutual benefits of linking agriculture with local communities.

MicMac farmers described the importance of healthful, nutritious food access and provision to help reduce the incidence of diet-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. An even greater sense of responsibility for people’s physical

health emerged from these comments, underscoring the motivation behind providing people with healthful, locally grown food. Not many farmers made this connection, perhaps because they were not asked about it directly. The fact that the issue surfaced without direct questioning shows that it is closely tied to some farmers’ vision for food production.

Farmers in this study also communicated hopefulness in their choices to keep prices balanced for a variety of income levels. Ross (2005) found similar results of conscious competitive pricing with regard to socioeconomic class through the Maine Senior Farm Share Program. Farmers in Maine talked about the generosity of farmers, who donate to food banks. This concept was supported by Good Shepherd Food Bank (2013), which indicated that Maine farmers donated over 500,000 pounds of fresh food in the past year.

As farmers considered what is working well for farming in Maine, the majority was extremely hopeful about the resurgence of youth in agriculture, whose new perspectives, energy for change, and creative solutions drive farming into the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Dovetailing with the rising numbers of youth in farming were the increasing numbers of small, diverse farms across the state, consistent with the literature (Piotti, 2011; Smith, 2004a).

seedlings growing in shallow raised beds

Farmers across all focus groups agreed that the popularity of local farming (farmers’ markets, CSA’s, “Get Real, Get Maine,” and “Buy Local”) was a benefit to providing food for Maine people. These trends were supported in the literature (MOFGA, 2013a; Pingree, 2013; Felder, 2011; Berlin, Lockeretz, & Bell, 2009; Ross, 2005; Smith, 2004a). Farmers’ voices conveyed real optimism in this sector of farming to propel and sustain agriculture into the future. Farmers saw public interest creating a market opportunities, providing food for Mainers. In addition, fuel prices were largely seen as an

opportunity, with agriculture being driven to local levels.

Some farmers were grateful for Maine’s clean, abundant natural resources; surprisingly, many farmers didn’t comment about this issue, despite the foundation of producing food that rests in the soil and water. Due to the great abundance of natural resources here in Maine, perhaps some farmers did not consider mentioning them, and take them for granted in a sense. These natural resources make Maine an ideal place to continue farming if they are used wisely and protected, as Smith (2004a) also suggested. There were farmers, however, who spoke with considerable hope about their farms working well with Maine’s ecology and their ability to create specialized niche markets, offering their customers unique products with both nutritional and market value.

community farm stand with many colorful vegetables and a chalkboard advertising pasture-raised chicken for sale

5.3. Capacity to feed Maine: Can Maine farmers grow enough food to feed Maine?

The majority of Maine farmers represented in this study felt that they have the capacity to feed Maine. Few farmers, however, believed that capacity could be realized under current farming conditions. Farmers asked that they be given the proper support; if given that support, most farmers in this study believed that they have the capacity to produce enough food to feed the population of Maine.

Farmers responded that there is enough land, but not enough processing and distribution infrastructure, and that they need a longer growing season or season extension methods. Farmers also said they would need a population willing to adapt their diets towards regional eating, a more complex barrier involving nutrition education and changes in food culture. People’s attitudes towards local food, along with their ability to afford it, were seen as possible barriers to feeding Maine. Population growth and increasing fuel prices (climate change) were seen as benefits by some, leading to greater demand for food and agriculture being driven to local levels, but were seen as challenges by others. A blueberry farmer in this study talked about demand, and whether there would be enough demand for all the food farmers could possibly produce. Conversely, Felder (2011) speculated whether there would be enough supply to meet demand.

Farmers asked for an assessment of what it would take to feed the state, and then asked for structures and goals to be established to help them reach that capacity. If set as a priority, working towards the capacity to feed Maine could help farmers address many of the barriers cited in this study and produce a stronger agricultural community.

farmer gazing across fields of baled hay, pointing

towards distant fields, as if speculating on the future

5.4. Future research.

In the future, an extensive assessment of the state’s capital, natural resources, and infrastructure should be assessed. This study should run with the intent of establishing goals for improving infrastructure and capital support, and ultimately developing achievable goals for feeding specific percentages of Maine people by target dates. The study could also build upon the current project and continue to identify barriers to achieving those goals.

Farmers should also be interviewed to determine which regulations to eliminate or simplify. Findings from these studies could eliminate costly regulations and fines, increasing the chances that farmers can stay in business and make a profit. More farms in

business could equal greater food production. In addition, MicMac farmers voiced concerns about natural resource degradation, but no other groups mentioned this barrier. Research should examine Maine farmers’ perspectives about natural resources, and might focus specifically on Native American farming populations’ views and current use of natural resources for food production and elimination of chronic diseases.

Additionally, in future research, farmers should be asked specific questions regarding human health and nutrition issues. Researchers should also focus on certain consumers groups’ perspectives toward accessing locally grown foods; populations might include schools and hospitals, caregivers, care receivers, youth, or the elderly. In any of these studies, participants could be given a card with a number, asking them to state their number before speaking, so that comments could directly be related to them. Doing so would allow age- or sex-related differences to be analyzed. All of these studies have the potential to provide insight into issues of provision and access to Maine farmed foods, and what is needed to encourage greater local food consumption.

sheep grazing in a meadow at sunset

5.5. Study limitations.

There were limitations to data collection. First, each focus group had a different number of participants. Also, locations varied across the state, and by nature of the times and locations, inevitably did not include all farmers in Maine. Lastly, the discussions at smaller focus groups differed in depth from larger groups. For example, at smaller groups, each participant had more opportunity to speak, and conversations could get more involved.

There were challenges typical for qualitative data analysis compared with quantitative analysis, which typically involves statistics. Farmers were not all directly asked to give answers and opinions for each question in the study. Farmers at each group may have chosen not to share their opinions. If farmers didn’t speak about an issue, it was impossible to determine their perspective. In addition, it was not possible to capture body

language on the audio recordings, such as nods of agreement or disagreement, and facial displays of frustration or assent. Once an issue was mentioned, a farmer may have

decided not to repeat a similar opinion or share a differing opinion. It was also impossible to link participants to their statements for all focus groups, making analysis based on gender, age, or length of time in farming impossible.

Therefore the quantity of comments was not the focus of this project, and the data collected was not appropriate for statistical computation. The depth and richness of comments made across focus groups constituted the data gathered from this study. Each idea, no matter how often it was represented, was considered important. The results were quantified into number of focus groups in which a theme arose, and the corresponding percentages, in order to facilitate the uncovering of general trends. The data were analyzed through the researcher’s interpretive lens, which could be considered a limitation in the sense that the quotes that were determined to generate a particular theme, and the themes which arose as a result, may have differed slightly from another person’s interpretation.

It is common practice in qualitative research to cross-reference results with participants. In some post-modern research, the research outcome is an ongoing collaboration between researchers and participants, the final outcome may change over time due to this interaction, and may also be used to advocate for the participants. These interactions allow the researcher to verify that their written work accurately presented participants thoughts and ideas, and allows them to incorporate additional information. Due to time and resource limitations, the final manuscript was not shared with participants in this study, but the results will be shared with interested professionals.

freshly harvested carrots on a bed of soil

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSIONS

It is clear that Maine’s history and culture are grounded in farming and food production, from small, diverse farms to commodity farming. Maine farmers feel a sense of enjoyment and responsibility to provide healthful food to feed Maine and would like to make a living doing so. Farming provides a strong source of revenue for Maine, but it has the potential to have an even greater economic impact. With farmers’ optimism in the current foundation of local farming, community supported agriculture, and “Get Real, Get Maine” marketing here in the state, there is momentum for growth in local agriculture. Investing in local agriculture makes sense for Maine.

Maine farmers said that with the appropriate support and resources, they have the potential to feed the entire population of Maine. The capacity of Maine farmers to produce more food needs to be assessed in order to develop goals related to this capacity. Farmers’ foremost concerns are a need to build infrastructure for healthful food processing and environmentally conscious food distribution, greater financial support for acquiring and maintaining farming operations, reduction and simplification of regulations (using recommended research to guide this process), and increased education in the form of health and cooking education designed to support fresh food purchases and preparation, as well as to run agricultural training programs. The need to forge new markets in local foods in schools, hospitals, and other institutions would also provide the opportunity to educate large populations about healthful dietary choices by incorporating

local food choices into institutional culture, as well as increase the food provision and access for local Maine foods.

Additionally, supporting grants for season extension methods should be considered a priority, so that farmers can take advantage of growing food all year. Protecting our natural resources is also a win for everyone. A clean environment is important for farmers, but it is also important to the state for a number of economic reasons. We can’t afford to pollute our land, air, and water. Making wise decisions relative to conservation and development will be important for helping to balance land use pressures and maximize food production. These decisions are crucial for the state’s economy, and can help boost local food provision and access for Maine people.

Maine can become the national leader in a transformative local foods movement if the barriers farmers cited in this study are addressed. It is an important time in history as the table is set for stakeholders to address pertinent cultural issues surrounding the food system – how food is grown, distributed, processed, and eaten. It is time to seize the opportunity to develop a model for food production, distribution, and consumption that builds upon our cultural heritage and contributes to greater local food access for Maine people. We should use existing models that work, such as processing mills for wheat and corn that grow and mill their own products. We can also support the idea of food hubs, which allow smaller farmers to aggregate products into larger, more consistent quantities and process these products for sale at larger institutions.

With a majority of Maine farmers in the profession because they believe in the mission of providing good, nutritious food for others, and a majority also who believe that Maine farmers have the ability to feed the Maine population, the time is ripe for development of goals and objectives regarding food production in Maine. The marriage of agricultural and nutritional goals has the potential to bring power and resources to Maine farming and to those concerned about feeding Maine’s hungry, as well as all Mainers.

Mainers suffer from chronic, preventable diseases at rates similar to, and in some cases greater than those throughout the country. There is hunger here, and there is the potential capacity (which needs to be developed) not only to produce more food, but to process it right here in the state, and distribute it more widely and effectively. It is time to prevent these diseases and support the nutrition of Maine people with streamlined systems of food production and distribution that offer healthful food access to all Maine people. Doing so could reduce future medical costs associated with poor diet. There is no other choice. Maine people have everything to gain from investing in local agriculture and food provision, and everything to lose if action is not taken. Maine stakeholders must prioritize investment spending to focus on agriculture and on providing food to feed Maine people, actions which could propel Maine to the forefront of national leadership in sustainable food production and provision, boost the economy, and support a healthy Maine population.

old white farm in a field behind post and beam fence with tall grass and autumn trees

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