The just released results of the 2022 US Agricultural Census shows that Maine lost approx. 15% of its farmland between 2012 and 2022. This is happening at a time when the global food system is increasingly under stress from the impact of climate change and unrest. At the same time, Maine is experiencing increasing in-migration and a housing crisis. A recent study found Maine needs at least 84,000 new homes of all kinds by the end of the decade to meet current and future demand.

This webinar will address how local communities can address this dual challenge: how can Maine’s communities promote farm viability and farmland protection through municipal planning, while also enabling housing and growth? What were the lessons-learned and how can these inform discussions in other communities tackling these issues? 

We will speak with three “farmer-planners” who have been at the frontlines of helping their communities navigate these issues.

  • State Representative Kathy Shaw, Auburn
  • David Asmussen, Bowdoinham
  • Jeremy Kasten, Berwick
This webinar is organized by GrowSmart Maine in collaboration with Maine Farmland Trust.
Sponsored by Kennebec Saving Bank.

 

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, March 26th 2024

Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm ET

Location: Online (Webinar link will be provided upon registration)

Cost:

Non-member registration ($25)

Member registration (free)

If you, your business, or organization are already a member of GrowSmart, please contact Amanda Vermillion at membership@growsmartmaine.org for a code to register for free.

 

REGISTER HERE

 

Please help us spread the word about this event by sharing this invitation with friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in exploring this topic.

Not sure if you’re a member of GrowSmart Maine? Please feel free to reach out to Amanda L. Vermillion at membership@growsmartmaine.org. To find out more about becoming a member, click here!

At GrowSmart Maine, we are committed to fostering knowledge, collaboration, and innovation.