In recent years, we have faced significant challenges, including rising operating costs, the troubling discovery of PFAS contaminants on Maine’s farmland, and the unpredictability of federal funding. Despite these difficulties, the MOFGA community has shown remarkable resilience, consistently demonstrating solidarity and support for one another. While organic farmers across Maine navigate these pressures, MOFGA has faced its own set of challenges. However, our supporters, including members, foundations, volunteers, and grassroots groups, have come together with creativity, conviction, and generosity to help us overcome these hurdles.
We have seen remarkable initiatives, such as a benefit 5K organized by dedicated farmers and community members in Cumberland County, Maine. Additionally, private foundations have increased their support through larger gifts and multi-year commitments, while groups of friends are pooling their donations to make a greater impact. This surge of support serves as a powerful reminder that MOFGA is not just an organization; it is a vibrant movement grounded in community.
A Year of Compounding Challenges
The pressures on organic farmers have escalated. Climate change is disrupting weather patterns, causing unexpected droughts and extreme rains. Rising input and labor costs are outpacing farmers’ earnings, and access to land remains a formidable barrier for many beginning farmers. In response, MOFGA has significantly ramped up its support services, offering everything from soil health programs to emergency assistance for those confronting critical issues such as PFAS contamination and flood damage.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that MOFGA is also navigating challenging terrain. The demand for our programs continues to grow, and with the impact of inflation, our operational costs have grown by 30% since before the pandemic. Federal agencies are either shifting priorities or reducing support, which will result in even more economic pressure on our budget. We are immensely grateful for the assistance received thus far, but additional help is necessary to maintain this level of care for the long term.
Grassroots Power: The Fairgrounds 5K, Mile and Walk
One of the most uplifting examples of our community’s creativity this year was the Fairgrounds 5K, Mile and Walk. What began as a casual idea and a shared desire to help Maine’s farmers blossomed into a powerful grassroots movement, energized by sponsors, volunteers, and a groundswell of community support.
The 5K was planned to bring together runners, walkers, families, and MOFGA supporters for a joyful day of solidarity and purpose. Proceeds from the event support MOFGA’s farmer programs, providing critical assistance to farmers facing PFAS contamination, flood damage, and other urgent challenges. Beyond raising funds, the event created meaningful connections — a chance for our community to come together, celebrate local agriculture, and reaffirm our shared commitment to the farmers who nourish us. It is a beautiful example of the grassroots spirit that has always powered MOFGA.
Partners Who Believe in the Work: Foundations Lean In
We have also witnessed several key foundations stepping up to meet the moment. Longtime funders have increased their contributions or transitioned to multi-year general operating support, providing the stability and flexibility required to serve our community effectively. One foundation even doubled its annual contribution after recognizing the rapid expansion of our farmer programs. At the same time, another funder committed to a three-year grant, allowing us to maintain our services in the face of economic uncertainty without the stress of year-to-year funding requests.
We sincerely appreciate this trust and commitment. However, even with this encouraging support, our fundraising goals for the next several years will be a challenge to meet. With rising program costs and market unpredictability, we require sustained, multi-level giving from across our network. These foundation gifts provide us with breathing room, but they do not constitute a surplus of funds.
The Power of Collective Giving
One of the most uplifting trends this year has been the emergence of collective giving, where friends and colleagues have come together to support MOFGA. A remarkable example of this is a group of friends, including several Mainers and Bowdoin College alums, who combined their resources to make a six-figure contribution to the endowment for the Maine Heritage Orchard. The vision and dedication of orchard founder John Bunker inspired this initiative. Their generosity embodies a profound truth: when we unite in our efforts to give, we collectively thrive, and you are a crucial part of this collective power.
As more supporters seek ways to collaborate and enhance their impact, we are reminded that collective generosity plays a vital role in securing the future of Maine’s farms, forests, and food system. These giving circles demonstrate that MOFGA’s mission resonates deeply within our community. People are not only eager to invest in our organization, but they are also committed to fostering a future in which food systems are local and equitable, farms are resilient, and communities flourish.
The Impact and the Ongoing Need
This year’s renewed generosity has come at a crucial time, and it’s already making a difference. New multi-year gifts and increased foundation support are helping MOFGA weather some of the financial pressures we’ve faced. We’ve seen a rise in donor-initiated fundraising efforts, such as the Fairgrounds 5K, and promising conversations with partners about strengthening support for our education and farmer resilience initiatives.
But we’re not out of the woods yet. Our financial needs remain significant, and this early support, while incredibly encouraging, does not close the gap. Many of our most urgently needed services, including PFAS response, individualized technical assistance, and farmer-led research, are not fully covered by grants. Core operating support is essential to sustaining this work. This is why unrestricted gifts from members and supporters continue to be so important. Your contributions enable us to remain flexible and meet needs as they arise, and your continued involvement is both crucial and deeply appreciated.
Let’s Keep Building Common Ground
This year, MOFGA supporters have risen to the occasion with heart and action. However, our work is not yet complete. Our farmers continue to face challenging days ahead, our programs require ongoing support, and the future we aspire to is rooted in health, justice, and sustainability demands the involvement of all of us.
To everyone who has contributed, organized, volunteered, or offered encouragement: thank you! You are making an extraordinary difference. If you have been considering becoming more involved, now is the perfect moment.
Help us close the gap. Let us plan boldly for 2026, the year we will celebrate the 50th annual Common Ground Country Fair and continue advancing our mission for the next 50 years. Together, we can rise to meet this moment and the next.
– Mary Weitzman, Director of Membership and Development
This article was originally published in the fall 2025 issue of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener.