Farms & Food #296

Friday, May 19, 2017

Photo by Peter Frank Edwards

How do we support Maine farmers? One way is to buy our food from local producers. We can also do our best to educate ourselves on agricultural issues in our state. Today we speak with Amanda Beal, the president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, a member-powered statewide organization that protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming. We also speak with Heidi Powell, the owner and operator of Dirigo Wholesale, a wholesale distribution company in Portland specializing in local and form-away produce, grocery, and specialty ingredients.

Guests

Amanda Beal

Amanda Beal is president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, a member-powered statewide organization that protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming. Before joining the organization, Amanda worked for several years as a consultant on food systems-related projects for a number of fisheries, agriculture, and other food-focused organizations and businesses and was a co-author of the publication: “A New England Food Vision: Healthy Food for All, Sustainable Farming and Fishing, Thriving Communities.” She holds an M.S. from Tufts University, having completed the agriculture, food, and environment program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New Hampshire in the natural resources and earth systems science program. Amanda has also worked closely with her family’s commercial dairy farm in Litchfield, Maine, to ensure successful a generational ownership transition and a vibrant future for the farm.

Heidi Powell

Heidi Powell is the owner and operator of Dirigo Wholesale, a wholesale distribution company specializing in local and away produce, grocery, and specialty ingredients.