Maine and Fresh Vegetables...

[Coaster]

I wasn't aware that orchard land -- or any other type of ag land -- is taxed differently than other open space in Maine. And I can't find anything about it on the web. Do you have details?

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I wasn't aware that orchard land -- or any other type of ag land -- is taxed differently than other open space in Maine. And I can't find anything about it on the web. Do you have details?

Here you go

Maine Revenue Services: Property Tax - Bulletin 20 - Farmland Tax Law

PASTURE LAND ...Land devoted to the production of forage plants consumed by animals. This includes grazing land, hay, ensilage, corn for ensilage and any other crops grown for forage.
$325 per acre suggested value - observed range $100 - $525.

CROP LAND ...Land used for field grown crops such as a typical Maine potato farm. This would include usual crops grown in rotation with potatoes - corn for grain, small grains, lupines, broccoli, etc.
$400 per acre suggested value - observed range $150 - $600.

BLUEBERRY LAND ...Land devoted to production of wild low-bush blueberries.
$400 per acre suggested value - observed range $200 - $800.

HORTICULTURAL LAND I (EDIBLE) ...Land used for intensive vegetable and small fruit production, market gardening, strawberries, raspberries, high-bush blueberries, etc.
$450 per acre suggested value - observed range $350 - $650.

HORTICULTURAL LAND II (ORNAMENTAL) ...Land used for production of planted and cultivated Christmas trees, flowers, sod, shrubs, trees and general nursery stock.
$550 per acre suggested value - observed range $425 - $850.

ORCHARD LAND ...Land devoted to the growth and cultivation of trees bearing edible fruit. There should be a minimum stocking density equivalent to 60 trees per acre.
$450 per acre suggested value - observed range $350 - $800. (For standard/full size varieties)
$650 per acre suggested value - observed range $450 - $1150. (For dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties)

[Bydand]

Thanks Forest, I couldn't remember where I had seen that list before.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Bydand

Thanks Forest, I couldn't remember where I had seen that list before.

Whatever I can do to help

[Coaster]

I appreciate it, too, Forest. I hadn't realized that ag land was valued differently according to how it was used. It looks like someone could drop their valuation just by switching from potatoes to hay.

[Bydand]

Don't forget that those figures don't include the taxes specific to the crop. Like the blueberry tax which is $1.50 per 100 pounds.

[moughie]

grimstuff, back to your original question:

While you can find many wonderful, fresh, tasty and organic produce in Maine from a variety of farms, stands and greenhouses, yes there are some omissions. These include guava, mangos, persimmons, asian pears, avocados, and artichokes among others.

However most of those I believe are really are not too common place in the traditional North Eastern diet. They are substituted instead by local specialties: fresh wild blueberries, an amazing variety of apples and tomatoes, potatoes and lettuces, blackberries, and fiddleheads among others.

Enjoy local produce where you find yourself in this great country!

[Submariner]

True.

The 'traditional' New England diet does not include a wide variety of fruits and veggies, as it is no longer an ag area. New England does have it's own unique selection of produce however unlike in ag area these are only available during each of there short seasons.

[starwalker]

Even in SoCal, where I lived for a while and also gardened, there were "seasons" for produce... I had tomatoes, squash, other hot season stuff in the summer and lettuce, broccoli, peas, etc that need cooler weather in the winter. Seasonal produce (local, the good stuff) will be different in ME I am sure, and I will begin learning this year.

However, regarding the hunt and gather at the supermarket, I got a head of iceberg lettuce to shred for tacos last night and paid 20 cents less here at Hannifords than I was used to paying at my Food Lion in NC. It said it was from Salinis, CA and it was a good head, solid and not rusty. Hannifords seemed to have as large a variety and as good produce as I am used to at the higher end Lowes Foods in NC.

[AlisonL]

Originally Posted by starwalker

Even in SoCal, where I lived for a while and also gardened, there were "seasons" for produce... I had tomatoes, squash, other hot season stuff in the summer and lettuce, broccoli, peas, etc that need cooler weather in the winter. Seasonal produce (local, the good stuff) will be different in ME I am sure, and I will begin learning this year.

However, regarding the hunt and gather at the supermarket, I got a head of iceberg lettuce to shred for tacos last night and paid 20 cents less here at Hannifords than I was used to paying at my Food Lion in NC. It said it was from Salinis, CA and it was a good head, solid and not rusty. Hannifords seemed to have as large a variety and as good produce as I am used to at the higher end Lowes Foods in NC.

I've always liked Hannaford's produce and meats. I shop there regularly.