Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world . In fact , it ’ s the only thing that ever has .
- margaret mead
crops and products under the USDA National Organic Program standard , as well as to continue to certify organic farms in Maine .
To help educate the public and to celebrate organic farming values , MOFGA held its first Common Ground Country Fair in 1977 at a leased fairground . It was a huge success , and MOFGA began to envision a home of its own — not only for the three days of Common Ground , but also for a year-round agricultural education center . A vision committee searched tirelessly for the perfect place . Before that could happen , the Fair outgrew it ’ s original location and was moved to a bigger fairground in 1981 .
Within a few years , the attendance exceeded 50,000 people . In 1996 , MOFGA purchased more than 200 acres of fields and forest in the town of Unity . As a mostly undeveloped property , there was a lot of planning and construction needed , but it was ready for the opening to the public on September 25 , 1998 — opening day of that year ’ s Common Ground Country Fair at their new organic agriculture educational center .
There are so many things that make the Fair special that I don ’ t know where to begin , and I will never do justice to the actual experience that is quite different than a typical agricultural fair . One thing that stands out is the food . Origi-
Top : The food area has a wide selection of local , organic creative selections ; above : costumes and supplies for the children ’ s parade are available to all who want to participate .
nally , I believe that all of the food port “ sustainable , organic farming had to be organic and come from regardless of geographic boundaries ” since “ MOFGA is committed
Maine . The result of this was mostly fantastic , since all the food treats to building relationships , when appropriate , with farmers and move- had to be sweetened with either honey or maple syrup and not refined sugar ( for the obvious reason .) addition to the basic requirement
ments who share our mission .” In
But people love their coffee , and it for food to be organic and from is not grown or produced in Maine . Maine , if that was not possible , it Within a few years , coffee vendors could be provided by farmers who set up their stalls just outside the share the MOFGA mission and gates to the Fair , and they did produce their food or ingredients a roaring business . sustainably outside of Maine . Since I think it was in 2007 that the then , organic , sustainably and ethically grown coffee is available at food policy was opened up to reflect MOFGA ’ s commitment to sup- the Fair .
plenty I summer growing 2023 33