Agriculture

While the vast majority of Maine farms are not impacted, state officials are providing testing, financial assistance, research and technical support to 127 farms of all sizes.

The "value-added producer" grants were made in five Maine counties.

Our cover story looks at top execs who have “retired,” only to reemerge after a short break.

Farm succession planning can take years as older farmers aim to secure their retirement while keeping land in agriculture, and younger farmers search for opportunities.

There’s been “a real increase in demand from customers wanting to grow mushrooms outdoors in their gardens” with over 20% growth in that category, said North Spore’s president.

“There’s really no workarounds," an industry insider said. “We’re not going back to the days of cross-cut saws and horses."

In a two-page letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission, a dozen lawmakers are urging officials to examine trade conditions affecting the U.S. potato industry

Wild blueberry production declined substantially in 2025, due to a wet spring followed by drought. The potato and apple industries face similar pressures.

Seaweed grows well in Maine, yet little of that potential has translated into high-value products or ingredients. Atlantic BlueBio wants to build the infrastructure needed to turn abundance into economic opportunity.

This year's notable deals include the acquisition of Belfast's Front Street Shipyard by a Blackstone-backed marina operator, and hammond Lumber's purchase of Ware-Butler.