The goal of the Common Ground Country Fair is to support the organic farming and gardening community and educate the public about the importance of organic, sustainable living. This year, the event’s reach grew to new heights, with a total of 69,424 fairgoers, breaking the previous record of 67,858 in 2022. Fairgoers from around the
Discover the transformative power of organic farming in the prison system The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and the Ecology Learning Center are hosting a special screening of the acclaimed film, “Seeds of Change.” This compelling documentary follows lifelong farmer Mark McBrine, who works with the Maine Department of Corrections, and several incarcerated
Taste all that Maine’s local, organic food scene has to offer The Common Ground Country Fair, hosted annually in Unity, Maine, by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is a unique opportunity to experience Maine’s robust local food scene. Over the course of three days, September 20, 21, and 22, fairgoers can explore
EPA Ducks Responsibility to Regulate Toxic Sewage Sludge Fertilizer Washington, DC — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contends that it cannot be sued for failing to protect public health and the environment from toxic PFAS in sewage sludge applied to land as fertilizer, according to EPA’s response to a lawsuit filed by Public Employees for
The fall issue of MOFGA’s publication, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, is now available online. In it, you’ll find tips for the farm, garden, and homestead. Topics include identifying invasive jumping worms in Maine, growing sprouting seeds, cooking with blackberries, and heritage fruits to plant in your home orchard. Plus, read about the local community, including a
When MOFGA adopted its 10-year strategic plan to begin in 2020, “PFAS” didn’t appear once in the document. MOFGA staff and board set out an ambitious plan to support organic gardeners, homesteaders, and eaters; promote legislation aligned with organic priorities; and grow and support organic farming and production. The plan’s goals include engaging 1% of
By Julie Trudel, Materials Reviewer and MC3 Program Coordinator In an effort to reduce non-compostable plastics in the environment and landfills, compostable products and food packaging have become mainstream items. Some states have passed laws banning single-use plastic items and food packaging and have enacted policies to divert organic materials and compostable products from landfills.
When we do the work of climate change adaptation and mitigation, we’re looking at customs of Indigenous stewardship for practices that will restore a peaceful relationship with the earth. What is our relationship to these practices? Are we taking the time to acknowledge the people who originally developed these practices and continue to steward this
MOFGA is holding Maine Apple Camp on August 30 – September 1. A biennial gathering of apple lovers, orchardists, fruit tree enthusiasts, and cider-makers, this three-day event takes place at Camp Bishopswood in Hope, Maine. Maine Apple Camp includes panels and talks by prominent orchardists, apple preservationists, and cider makers from across Maine and across
Looking for a book to read this summer? Here’s a look back at some of our favorite books reviewed in The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener in 2024. MOFGA’s summer reading list includes books specifically for eaters, gardeners, and growers. From planting for pollinators to gardening with the moon and zodiac, to diving into the
