*This event has been rescheduled from March 29 to April 5 due to inclement weather.Are there old, overgrown fruit trees on or near your property? Don’t give up on them! Join us for this pruning workshop focused on renovating mature or neglected fruit trees.This workshop is appropriate for those who have not pruned fruit trees […]
*Postponed to April 6 due to inclement weather forecast*Kick off the growing season at this free, annual event!Gardeners and orchardists are invited to bring their seeds, scionwood (fruit tree wood for propagating fruit trees), and plants to share. You don't need to bring anything in order to participate! There is always an abundance of seeds […]
Herbaceous perennial plants are an important part of home gardens. They provide food for wildlife and pollinators and provide interesting flowers and forms that change throughout the year. As perennials and long-term plants in the garden, they can be susceptible to changes in climate, including fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, and snowfall. Stephanie will discuss things […]
The Climate Forums are brought to you by NOFA-VT and MOFGA. This event is one in a three-part series discussing flooding, excess precipitation, and farm resilience. Climate Adaptation Planning is a useful tool to assess risks and identify strategies to increase resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This session will discuss the process […]
MOFGA and Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) are proud to partner with the Portland Museum of Art to present a screening of Common Ground. This award-winning film documents some of the many challenges facing farmers and our food system, and it explains that one of our most effective tools to mitigate climate change might be right […]
Join MOFGA at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick for a free screening of Common Ground. The library will screen the 45-minute educational version of this film and host a panel discussion. The film documents the genesis and the environmental impacts of so-called conventional farming, and it proposes that employing regenerative farming techniques can mitigate the effects […]
Take action to support farmers!The federal funding freeze is just one of many federal actions that is affecting farmers. Cuts in crucial programming and mass firings of vital staffing also have a direct impact on farmers. While some funds have been unfrozen and some staff have been temporarily reinstated, the short-term impacts have been harmful […]
Learn how to support your livestock animals’ health by examining their fecal samples for parasites and general markers of gut health. Fecal monitoring is one important way to measure the well-being of your animals, and some fecal monitoring can be done at home with the right knowledge and equipment. In this class, Jacki Martinez Perkins, […]
Join MOFGA and Maine Farmland Trust for a climate and soil health focused conversation for farmers and agricultural service providers. We want to address climate-driven events on your farm by focusing on our strengths and building our community of resources. This will be a facilitated discussion, led by farmers, about climate needs, concerns, and adaptation […]
*In the event of severe weather, this workshop will be held on April 20 at 10 am.Sold Out - to be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] how to reproduce your favorite apple tree varieties through bench grafting — the practice of grafting fruit tree scionwood onto rootstock — in this beginner-level workshop. Bench grafting is […]
The 2025 Convergence Event aims to unite the community in exploring food system shifts that advance social equity, racial justice, and climate resilience.PFAS Advocacy in Maine & DC Join the 2025 Convergence on May 29 for a session led by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association on Maine’s leadership in the fight against PFAS […]
MOFGA is proud to partner with the Maine Film Center in Waterville to present a free screening of Saving Walden's World. This documentary, by Maine-based filmmaker Jim Merkel, follows his journey from government contractor to climate activist. Jim travels across continents to learn from societies that are living well with a small ecological footprint, and where […]
*This event has been cancelled due to low registration. If you would like to take the class at the Augusta location on April 30, click here.About the class:Grow Your Own Organic Garden covers all the basics of organic gardening — such as supporting soil and plant health, starting seeds indoors and outdoors, interplanting, pest management, […]
Are you curious about adapting your garden to the changing climate?In this webinar, learn some key climate adaptation strategies for gardeners to help your native plants and ornamentals thrive; as well as how what you choose to grow can support your local ecosystem and preservation efforts amid climate change. Learn from Emily Baisden, Wild Seed […]
Join us to celebrate (belated) Earth Day with a spring cleanup at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.We’ll spend time tidying the grounds to get ready for the upcoming growing season and events we'll be hosting. Tasks include raking, garden bed prep, working in […]
About the class:Grow Your Own Organic Garden covers all the basics of organic gardening — such as supporting soil and plant health, starting seeds indoors and outdoors, interplanting, pest management, watering, and harvesting. Participants will have plenty of time to ask questions and connect with one another about shared experiences in their gardening journeys so […]
Say hello to May, and the growing season, during MOFGA's Gardening Q&A. Whether you've been gardening for decades or you're daydreaming about starting your first garden this year (or somewhere in between), these informal Zoom conversations are a chance to discuss whatever gardening topics are on your mind. Bring your questions for a casual conversation and […]
Mushrooms are a delicious addition to almost any garden, homestead, woodlot, or farm. In this introductory workshop, learn how to select mushroom logs and varieties, with a specific focus on shiitakes; design an appropriate site for growing shiitakes outdoors; and practice inoculating logs. Participants will be able to bring home an inoculated shiitake log, which […]
Join us for a deep dive into sugarbush management! This crash course will cover an overview of maple in Maine, habitat assessment (including Bird Friendly Maple! and invasive plants), production, and financial incentives. You'll leave this workshop with resources and knowledge to increase the biodiversity of your sugarbush while accessing financial resources (including NRCS), forestry technical assistance, and a couple different certifications. This […]
Learn safe chainsaw operation in these one-and-a-half-day courses. We’ll cover personal protective equipment (PPE) and chainsaw selection, and practice safe handling and open-face bore cutting techniques with instructor supervision. Designed for beginners.Day 1 of this course will run 10am - 4pm, and Day 2 will run 8am - 4pm.REGISTER HERELearn more about MOFGA's chainsaw courses […]
How does climate change affect pests and diseases that gardeners may contend with? And what are some best practices for organic, sustainable, and ethical management of said pests and diseases? Bring your questions, and hear from two experts -- Mariam Taleb and Caleb Goossen -- in this Q&A. This webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be […]
Nestled on the serene grounds of MOFGA’s campus in Unity, Maine, the Maine Heritage Orchard has blossomed over the past decade, into a monument of environmental stewardship and agricultural heritage. As it marks its 10th anniversary, the orchard is a testament to community collaboration and educational innovation, showcasing nearly 400 varieties of historic apples and […]
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. New date TBA. Kick off summer with Rosemont Market at their first-ever GrillMont—a community cookout celebrating the season of sunshine, grilling, and great food. They'll be serving: Burgers from Pineland Farms. Sausages from Colvard & Company. Rosemont-made potato salad, chips & seltzer. Free beer tastings with Oxbow Brewing. Rosé samples from our curated Rosémont selection. Plates are […]
Join DJ Dance Party at the Topsham Exhibition Hall for a 60's, 70's, and 80's dance party!All proceeds benefit MOFGA.$20 tickets, with a cash bar. This event is 21+. BUY TICKETS.
Join our Low-Impact Forestry Specialist for work in our Assisted Migration plot. Assisted Migration is the practice of aiding species in their movement as a response to climate change. MOFGA has set aside a small plot in our woods as a place for experimentation with Assisted Migration.VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPWork in this area may include building or […]
Join our Low-Impact Forestry Specialist for work in our Assisted Migration plot. Assisted Migration is the practice of aiding species in their movement as a response to climate change. MOFGA has set aside a small plot in our woods as a place for experimentation with Assisted Migration. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP Work in this area may include […]
Join our Low-Impact Forestry Specialist for work in our Assisted Migration plot. Assisted Migration is the practice of aiding species in their movement as a response to climate change. MOFGA has set aside a small plot in our woods as a place for experimentation with Assisted Migration. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP Work in this area may include […]
Help to maintain trails throughout wooded areas on the MOFGA campus. Volunteers may perform a variety of tasks under the leadership of our Low Impact Forestry Specialist.VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPTo learn more about Low Impact Forestry at MOFGA, click here.
Help to maintain trails throughout wooded areas on the MOFGA campus. Volunteers may perform a variety of tasks under the leadership of our Low Impact Forestry Specialist. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP To learn more about Low Impact Forestry at MOFGA, click here.
Farm & Homestead Day at MOFGA is a free, annual, volunteer-run event. The day's activities center around sustainable living and consist of delicious food and opportunities to learn new skills through hands-on workshops for people of all ages. To learn more, visit the event's main page here.What to bring:We are striving for a zero waste event. […]
Help to maintain trails throughout wooded areas on the MOFGA campus. Volunteers may perform a variety of tasks under the leadership of our Low Impact Forestry Specialist. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP To learn more about Low Impact Forestry at MOFGA, click here.
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.Come tour the beautiful Mt Joy Community Orchard, and learn about growing fruit trees in urban areas. This tour and workshop will be led by Aaron Parker, owner of Edgewood Nursery and a community leader at Mt Joy. We will discover the many resilient and […]
Help to maintain trails throughout wooded areas on the MOFGA campus. Volunteers may perform a variety of tasks under the leadership of our Low Impact Forestry Specialist. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP To learn more about Low Impact Forestry at MOFGA, click here.
Join MOFGA and Emily Springer, of Meeting House Farm, for an early summer evening of learning about, and planting, medicinal herbs at MOFGA's Education Center in Unity.In this beginner-friendly class, participants will learn about 12 vital medicinal herbs that they can grow at home or in their community. Participants will also learn about herb garden […]
This event is hosted by the Maine School Garden Network.Join the Maine School Garden Network for a tour of the BCOPE Alternative High School garden! Learn about the work educators are doing to incorporate nature-based education into their curriculum via the garden. A picnic will follow the tour, and participants are encouraged to bring a […]
Spend a summer evening touring a vibrant school garden!At the Troy Howard Middle School Garden Project, students tend a 1/3 acre garden and a year-round greenhouse -- producing veggies, fruits, flowers, heirloom seed crops, and more. The garden provides both material sustenance and educational enrichment. Student-harvested produce -- over 1,500 pounds of it yearly -- goes […]
Join us for a tour of the Orono Community Giving Garden! The Orono Community Giving Garden (OCGG) is a collaborative resource for people in the Orono area to share food they've grown, and to gather and learn from the process of gardening. The garden is tended to by volunteers, and it features a wide variety of veggies, fruits, and flowers that […]
Are critters nibbling on your veggies? Are plants developing strange colors, or wilting unexpectedly? Join Cooperative Extension, Cultivating Community, and MOFGA for an interactive tour of the common pests and diseases that appear at the height of summer. We’ll search over fruits and under leaves to help growers increase their comfort with diagnosing what ails […]
Join Wild Seed Project and MOFGA for a lunchtime webinar with Jessica J. Lee, environmental historian, writer, and author of Dispersals, among other works. In this webinar, Jessica will consider the core themes of her book Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging, including ideas of kinship, language for native and invasive plants, and will explore the connections between cultural histories, personal histories, […]
Join us in Bangor for a tour of a residential urban garden!Learn from gardeners Barbara and Miriam about their gardening journey. Participants will learn about how they designed their garden for a small space, how they interact with the community through their garden, the joys and challenges of gardening in an urban environment, and the […]
Join us to learn from the authors of a recent report we developed that details the historical growth trajectory of organic agriculture in Maine from 2007-2022. Report authors Jed Beach of FarmSmart Business Services and Rose Wilson of Rose Wilson Consulting will sit down with MOFGA’s Executive Director, Sarah Alexander, to share how the report […]
Join us for a tour of the community gardens at Beach Plum Farm Preserve in Ogunquit! Spanning 22 acres, Beach Plum Farm Preserve is the last remaining saltwater farm in Ogunquit. Managed by the Great Works Regional Land Trust, it is now home to thriving community gardens, a half-mile loop trail with marshland and ocean views, and, […]
Our biggest summer event is back! Join us for the 3rd Annual Paella Party at our Scarborough Market — featuring a giant pan of paella prepared on-site by Chef Carter from Colvard & Co. Plus: free tastings from Harbor Fish Market, Dunstan’s Smokehouse, Kittylamb, Oxbow Brewing, and more. Paella plates are $10, with 100% of […]
Calling all MOFGA Volunteers! Come celebrate the summer with us! We'll be at two different public events in Portland and Bangor so MOFGA volunteers from all across the state can participate. MOFGA volunteers will be eligible for special discounts and activities, so come join the fun! Be sure to wear your Fair Volunteer t-shirt, and […]
Sign up now for a special collaboration between MOFGA and Community Plate. Recently featured on NPR, Community Plate works to bring people together by pairing potluck suppers with live storytelling. On Sunday, August 17, we'll gather at MOFGA's Exhibition Hall in Unity for an evening of home-cooked food and homespun yarns. All guests are asked […]
Calling all MOFGA Volunteers! Come celebrate the summer with us! We'll be at two different public events in Portland and Bangor so MOFGA volunteers from all across the state can participate. MOFGA volunteers will be eligible for special discounts and activities, so come join the fun! Be sure to wear your Fair Volunteer t-shirt, and join […]
Join Out in the Open alongside MOFGA’s Low Impact Forestry staff for a forest work day. Learn basic trail maintenance skills while finishing a ¼ mile trail and create a fairy village. This will entail moving and cutting limbs using hand saws and other tools, and happen with guidance from an experienced trail builder. The […]
Join us for a morning of races, a farmer’s market, music, and so much fun! This is not your ordinary race. Racehorses have been giving their all on the Cumberland Fairground track for 154 years. Imagine the finish you’ll have tapping into their spirited, courageous, and determined energy! We are getting creative with details to […]
Tour an urban backyard garden featuring permaculture design principles in Scarborough, Maine!Gardener and herbalist Katie Sol DeLorme has spent the past ten years building her backyard garden, guided by permaculture design principles. The garden now feeds her family and community, grows a variety of herbs that she uses for her botanical products business, and offers […]
Join us for an afternoon forest tour of Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, Maine. Hidden Valley Nature Center covers nearly 1,000 acres of forested land and is managed with low-impact forestry principles in mind. Learn more about sustainable forestry at Hidden Valley Nature Center here.This tour will include up to a mile of walking. Participants will encounter uneven […]
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.This webinar will cover the essentials of growing your own garlic, from planting and care to harvest and storage. Participants will also learn how to identify and address common issues that may arise during the growing season. Perfect for gardeners of all levels.Speaker: Peyton GinakesBio: Peyton […]
The Common Ground Country Fair will be held at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine on September 19, 20, and 21, 2025. MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living features 1000+ exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. Learn more here.Advance tickets are on sale […]
Join professional sawyer Nick Zandstra for a hands-on opportunity to learn about portable bandsaw mills.The course will cover basic mill operation, mill yard layout and techniques to maximize lumber quality while milling logs harvested from the MOFGA woodlot. Please note: Though the course will be taught using a fully-hydraulic Woodmizer mill, the techniques discussed are […]
This event is hosted by College of the Atlantic (COA).Do you love Robin Wall Kimmerer's words and hunger for putting them into practice in your life? Join us for a lively, participatory practice and conversation of gift economy with Petra Page-Mann of Fruition Seeds. After 12 years of selling regionally adapted seeds from their farm […]
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.This webinar will review the past growing season, highlighting what worked well and what can be improved. We’ll explore fall tasks that help wind down the garden, while also laying the groundwork for a more successful season ahead. Topics include planning adjustments, planting considerations, and […]
The Shaw Institute is proud to be screening the award-winning documentary short film, SLUDGE: A PFAS UPRISING (28 minutes), followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers, PFAS experts, and Maine family farmers that are featured in the film. The audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Our team served as advisors on the […]
How can gardening be a pathway for community resilience in the face of climate change? Join us for an evening webinar to hear from representatives of Mt. Joy Community Orchard, Cultivating Community, and Waldo County Bounty, about some localized efforts in Maine. Learn about the connections between gardening, community, and climate change; how these organizations build community at these […]
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Join us for a webinar exploring three essential pillars of running a successful native plant nursery: passion, patience, and product. We’ll dive into the practical, logistical, and personal aspects of starting and sustaining a nursery business, including day to day operations. Whether you’re just […]
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.This webinar will review how to grow native plants from seed, focusing on easy to grow native perennials suited for Maine gardens. We’ll guide you through the process, from sowing seeds to transplanting seedlings, using straightforward techniques that any gardener can apply. Topics will include […]
Join us at the Blue Hill Co-Op for a cider and apple tasting to celebrate fall!The cider and apple tasting will begin at 4 pm. Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of MOFGA, will speak at 5:00 p.m. to share news, updates, and discuss the work ahead.RSVP HEREQuestions? Email Joseph Nowak at [email protected].
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.This webinar will cover the basics of composting, including how to start and maintain a compost pile. Participants will also learn how to properly use finished compost to enrich soil and support plant growth. Perfect for gardeners of all levels.Speaker: Nick RowleyBio: Nick Rowley is the […]
This event is hosted by the Maine Tasting Center. Join Waldoberry Farm, a local farm specializing in aronia berries and other unique fruits, for a deep dive into one of Maine’s most underappreciated superfruits! If you’ve never heard of aronia, you’re not alone—this class will introduce you to its history, flavor, and potential health benefits, all […]
*This workshop has reached capacity. To be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] you're grazing livestock on pocket-sized pastures, join us to learn strategies for managing pasture health on homesteads with limited acreage. This workshop will take place at a small homestead, where pastures are managed on a tight rotational grazing plan. MOFGA's Livestock & Dairy Specialist, Jacki […]
This by-donation event and will take place at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, ME with a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Join MOFGA for a celebration of apples and the fall harvest! This event's mainstay is the apple, and the fruit is central among many of our vendors, workshops, and activities.This family-friendly event […]
This class is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Visit this page for more info.The Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training is ideal for individuals looking to explore a new career path, enhance existing skills, or launch a business in horticulture. This program blends flexible, self-paced online learning with a hands-on apprenticeship guided by experienced industry mentors. “We developed […]
This class is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Visit this page for more information.For those looking to build their gardening knowledge without any volunteer or apprenticeship requirements, the Maine Gardener Training offers a fully virtual option focused on foundational horticulture education. Designed for gardeners of all levels, this course provides in-depth instruction […]
This event is hosted by College of the Atlantic (COA).Join us for a discussion with Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, on the evolving federal policy landscape and its impact on Maine's farmers and eaters. Learn how recent changes and ongoing debates in federal agricultural policy are directly shaping […]
This event has sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] the art of cheese making from Jean Koons, from Kennebec Cheesery in this evening workshop! This workshop will begin with an introduction to the history of cheesemaking, dairy cultures, and sanitation practices. Jean will then talk through the process of making yoghurt and cheeses while attendees participate […]
*This workshop has sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] to cook with a wide range of locally-produced ingredients, and enjoy a five course meal that embraces warmth amid fall's chill.We'll spend the start of the workshop learning cooking techniques from instructor Autumn Joy Jackson: occasional professional baker, home cook, and one of our […]
*Registration has filled for this workshop. To be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] Emily Springer of Meeting House Farm – a MOFGA-certified organic herb farm in Scarborough, Maine – to learn about the history and art of blending tea/tisane. Using locally-sourced herbs, create your own blend to take home. Learn to taste each herb separately and then […]
*Registration for this workshop has closed. To be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] us for a three-day workshop that will bring you through the process of slaughtering and butchering a pig, so that you can do so confidently, humanely, and safely with pigs at home or on-farm. On Day 1, participants will learn from Jason Tessier, […]
*The snow date for this event is December 8.Join MOFGA for our annual Kitchen Licensing Workshop!This in-person workshop is designed for farmers, homesteaders, and aspiring small business owners interested in producing value-added food products (e.g. cheese, ice cream, baked goods, preserves, ferments) to sell for retail in Maine. Participants will learn about the process of […]
Join MOFGA for a benefit bake at American Flatbread in Rockport!Take a break from the big week of cooking, and get yourself a flatbread. A portion of proceeds from all flatbreads sold from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. will be donated to MOFGA, to support our educational programming in 2026.Plus, MOFGA will be on-site with educational […]
*This workshop has filled. To be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] this evening workshop, participants will learn about blending teas/tisanes for medicinal purposes. Learn from Emily Springer of Meeting House Farm – a MOFGA certified organic farm in Scarborough, Maine. This class will focus on the medicinal properties of a selection of herbs and how to combine them […]
