New Map of Midcoast and Downeast Farmers’ Markets
The
Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets has released a new map of Midcoast and
Downeast farmers’ markets featuring 20 of the unique farmers’ markets that take
place along the Maine coast. In addition to a detailed, full-color map, the
brochure includes a description of each market, suggestions for free outdoor
activities near each, and original artwork depicting the character of the
various markets.
An
earlier version (2015) of the Farmers’ Market Trail focused on Washington
County. The expanded map features coastal markets from Lubec to Bath,
highlighting the fact that wherever you travel along the coast of Maine, it’s
easy to find a farmers’ market. “We hope locals and visitors alike will keep a
copy of this map in their cars, and pull it out for inspiration every time they
venture along the coast. There’s no better way to get to know this state than
by talking to farmers and food producers, while tasting local specialities,”
according to Leigh Hallett, MFFM’s Executive Director.
Tourists
and summer residents are an important segment of the shopper base for all Maine
markets, but particularly so for the coastal markets, which often have a
shorter season than others. Kim Roos of Gardenside Dairy (member of half a
dozen markets featured on the map, including Ellsworth, Milbridge, and Lubec)
notes that the intense summer season is particularly important to farms like
hers: “It is great to be able to have these maps for locals and visitors to our
state to help everyone find seasonal, local food. This is especially crucial to
our farm in way Downeast, where our selling season heavily relies on the 12
weeks tourists are around to purchase our goods!” Farms like Gardenside Dairy
also produce non-food items (in their case, personal care products like hand
lotions) which are sought after by visitors looking for Maine-made gifts.
Each
market on the map is illustrated with an original watercolor design by Steuben
artist Nicole DeBarber. A member of the Beehive Collective for 9 years, Nicole
has a deep connection to coastal Maine, and was able to capture the spirit of
the markets in winsome images. Many of the markets featured on the map will
also be offering coloring pages based on Nicole’s work, and an exhibit is
planned in Machias in late summer.
Farmers’
markets are the perfect place to meet locals while picking up fresh and
prepared foods. Whether you are a tourist, a summer resident, or a Mainer on a
day-trip, exploring a new farmers’ market is a great way to get to know more
about Maine. Find markets throughout the state by location or day of the week
on MFFM’s website, www.mainefarmersmarkets.org. Copies of the free map have
been distributed to farmers’ markets and tourist information sites. Request a
copy by mail by emailing info@mffm.org.
About:
The
Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets runs statewide programs that help sustain
Maine farms, connect market farmers, strengthen farmers’ markets, and widen
access to locally-grown food for all. MFFM operates the Maine Harvest Bucks
nutrition incentive program for SNAP shoppers, maintains an online directory of
all of Maine’s farmers’ markets, and provides resources to market farmers and
managers. Learn more at www.mainefarmersmarkets.org
Contact:
Leigh
Hallett, Executive Director
director@mffm.org (207) 487-7114
Maine
Federation of Farmers’ Markets
165
Sebasticook St.
Pittsfield,
ME 04967
 
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