Penobscot Tribal Farms

Introduction:

Welcome to Penobscot Tribal Farms, where we are dedicated to cultivating sustainability and fostering community resilience through innovative agricultural practices and strategic partnerships. We believe in the power of locally grown food to nourish bodies, strengthen communities, and protect the environment.

About Us:

Penobscot Tribal Farms is a tribal-owned and operated farm dedicated to sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and community well-being. Established in 2022, our farm has grown from a vacant wooded lot to a thriving hub for agricultural innovation and community engagement.

Our Mission:

Address food inequity by providing access to local healthy foods and support economic development for the Penobscot Nation Community.

Our Values:

• Sustainability: We prioritize sustainable farming practices that protect our land, water, and natural resources for future generations.
• Community: We are committed to building strong, vibrant communities where everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with partners to achieve our shared goals.
• Quality: We take pride in the quality of our produce and are dedicated to delivering the freshest fruits and vegetables to our customers.

Our Initiatives:

Infrastructure Development:

• We have expanded our facilities with a new 30×50 processing center to house post-harvest activities and improve efficiency.

Produce Handling and Packing:

• We are up grading our wash station to ensure that all produce is thoroughly cleaned before packaging and distribution.

Grant Acquisition and Facilities Enhancement:

• Coming soon is a kitchen and facilities to better serve the community’s needs for food preservation and storage.

Business Diversification:

• In response to community demand, we are expanding our offerings to include maple syrup and increasing staffing to meet growing needs.

Livestock and Apiary Development:

• We are excited to announce the addition of a beehives and hens to our operations in the spring 2024.

Seed Starting and Propagation:

• Our new propagation house will enable us to start seeds earlier and ensure a bountiful harvest for the community.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

• We are proud to partner with organizations such as Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Niweskok, Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) and funders such as Sewall Foundation, Quimby Family Foundation, and Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)to further our mission.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Our strategic plan outlines our goals for sustainable growth and community impact, including initiatives such as native plant restoration and food safety SOPs in collaboration with the EPA, MOFGA and UMaine.

Environmental Stewardship:

• We are committed to protecting the environment through responsible farming practices and conservation efforts.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• We work with partners like St. Ann’s Food Pantry and Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness and to ensure that our produce reaches those who need it most.

Join Us in Cultivating Change:

As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in cultivating change and building a more sustainable and resilient community. Whether you’re a supporter, volunteer, or customer, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can grow a brighter future for Maine.

Contact Us:

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us at [email protected] or 207-745-3134 or visit us at the farm in Bradley at 729 Main St.