Unity farmers use signs to boost consumer support

UNITY – Driving through the agricultural regions of Waldo County this weekend, travelers may notice something different sprouting in the corn and hay fields. Signs will be posted along the travel route to the annual Common Ground Fair that sport a vital message: “Choices Matter – Support Our Local Farms.”

Unity-area farmers are taking action on behalf of their livelihoods by posting the signs this weekend, an offshoot of a recent regional farm meeting.

The signs are planned to raise consumer awareness about the importance of local agriculture and poignantly convey that the very field they are looking at or the vista they are enjoying is sponsored by Maine farmers.

“Many people live in or enjoy driving through this area because of the agricultural landscape,” said Polly Shyka, the project’s coordinator. “But the open views, green fields and grazing animals only exist because farm families milk cows, grow vegetables, and harvest hay here. We saw this as an opportunity to remind 50,000 people that Maine farmers, and specifically Maine’s dairy farmers, deserve their support.”

The sign project was suggested last month by Russell Libby of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the sponsoring organization for the Common Ground Fair, during a regional sustainable agriculture conference in Unity.

More than 75 farmers and farm supporters gathered in August to discuss and strategize for the future of agriculture in the western Waldo County area.

Shyka said: “Many ideas surfaced that evening, but this sign initiative was prioritized as the group’s first project. Future projects will aim to increase farm vitality through diversification, cooperative ventures, and farmland protection strategies.”

Unity Barn Raisers, which is spearheading the group’s efforts, has a history of supporting local farms.

For several years, the Barn Raisers have sponsored a weekly farmers market and a monthly community meal that showcases local food products. More recently, the organization has undertaken a “biodiesel” project that is testing growing soybeans locally to produce both a feed for dairy cows and an environmentally friendly diesel fuel.

Shyka is optimistic. “For Unity Barn Raisers, these projects are only the beginning. It plans to increase its work with farmers significantly, and sees the sign project as a good first step in raising awareness,” she said.

“Farms and farmers define our community,” she said. “The Barn Raisers recognize this and want to do far more to support local agriculture. We’re bringing farmers together to see how we can help them.”

One of the organizers of August’s community meeting echoed Shyka’s commitment.

“This region still has a critical mass of farm businesses,” said Rick Kersbergen, the local Cooperative Extension educator and an active member of the Barn Raisers committee. “Cooperation is one way to keep agriculture growing in this area. It’s not always easy but cooperative marketing and buying can have big impacts on farmers’ bottom lines.”