Wednesday’s edition of Maine Calling talked with several Maine apple experts and orchard owners about the “science, business and joy of apple growing in Maine“.
Category: Farming
The Climate Change Diet
The Press Herald has taken a look at how the foods that are grown, raised and caught in Maine will shift under the impact of climate change.
Beef, pork and lamb probably won’t disappear from restaurant menus, but could be locally raised or grown in a laboratory to avoid the big carbon footprint of factory farms (why we’re already being urged to eat less meat). Don’t worry about your Sunday brunch of blueberry pancakes slathered in maple syrup, with a side of hash browns. Blueberries, maple syrup and potatoes – all traditional Maine foods – probably aren’t going anywhere in the next 50 years, according to agricultural experts. (After that, we’ll need a bigger crystal ball.)
2019 Apple Harvest
The Kennebec Journal has published an article about this year’s apple harvest.
Renae Moran, a tree fruit specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, said this year’s crop looks good, despite the prediction it will be “less than average.” She said a cold spring hampered pollination, which delayed ripening of the fruit by about 10 days.
Out on a Limb Apple CSA
Out on a Limb, an heirloom apple CSA, is now selling shares for the upcoming apple season.
Participants in the CSA will receive 5 deliveries of 10 – 12 pounds each. The CSA provides the chance to try 20+ varieties overall. It’s a great way to learn more about Maine apples.
The Growing Maine Grain Industry
Civil Eats has published an article on the innovation and growth of the Maine grain industry.
Alex is one of a dynamic cohort of innovators who are working to reshape Maine’s agricultural landscape—from farm to processing to market—by bringing back the production of high-quality, heritage, and landrace grains lost more than a century ago to the Midwest. Such efforts have been percolating in the state for decades, similar to others taking place in states like California, Pennsylvania, and New York. Now, these businesses are poised for growth as an inter-connected group of financiers, agricultural researchers, and business support groups works to help them revitalize Maine’s rural landscape through bread, pastries, noodles, and beer.
New Law Requires State to Buy Local Food
The Press Herald reports that a new law will require that state institutions “must purchase 20 percent of its food and food products locally by 2025”.
CSA Popularity in Decline
The Lewiston Sun Journal has published an article on the headwinds faced by CSAs.
Experts and farmers say there are a lot of reasons for the downturn. Increasing competition is a big one. So, too, is the customer’s need for convenience over a relationship with their friendly neighborhood farmer.