Gov. Baldacci Visits Bowdoinham Business

Governor Celebrates Locally Known Organic Farm
June 26, 2008
BOWDOINHAM – Governor John E. Baldacci today celebrated Locally Known, New England's first large-scale organic farm. Supplying greens such as arugula, baby kale and spinach to supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Hannaford’s, Locally Known’s goal is to offer high quality produce all along the eastern seaboard.
“Mainers have always known and appreciated the value of local farmers,” said Governor Baldacci. “And our farmers are responding to consumer demand for high quality produce. While agriculture is one of Maine’s traditional industries, it is hardly one that has stood still. Our farmers continue to explore new techniques and new markets. Ben Dobson and the other investors in Locally Known represent the true Maine entrepreneurial spirit, in their 20s they see an opportunity with increasing demand for organic foods grown regionally.”
Maine has more than 7,100 farms, most of which are small, family-owned operations. The industry employs 65,000 workers, and has direct sales of nearly $600 million a year. Maine is first in New England in the production of food, first in New England in the value of aquaculture sales, and first in the world in the production of wild blueberries.
Organic farming has grown significantly in recent years. There were 21 organic farms in Maine in 1987; 348 organic farms operated in the state in 2007.
“We can compete with operations around the world because we have the highest quality natural resources at our disposal,” said Governor Baldacci. “My Administration has been committed to transforming our natural resource based industries. The Maine Department of Agriculture has been getting the word out about buying local, and working hard to ensure Maine farmers have the tools they need to compete.”
Maine’s Department of Agriculture provided a loan of nearly $250,000 to the operation from the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund. The operation has also leased several parcels from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Locally Known’s greens are competitively priced. High oil prices make transporting from regional sources a more attractive option. Locally Known also employs the latest technology for harvesting, which reduces the manpower needed for the laborious process.
The company is developing a training and apprenticeship program for new organic farmers, farmers looking to transition to organic practices, and existing organic farmers who would like to supply the Locally Known label.
Agriculture Commissioner Seth Bradstreet said that the company has met some of the most stringent standards required by the marketplace to ensure consumers have confidence in the food they eat.
“Ben and his crew have worked hard to meet food safety standards at every step of the operation – from the time the seeds are planted until the greens are washed, chilled and packed,” Bradstreet said. “The public wants assurances. And in Maine we can provide it with locally grown food from farmers you know.”