OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP IN THE COUNTY .
AGRICULTURAL ROOTS
OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP IN THE COUNTY .
Since the 18th century , potatoes have been the region ’ s main agricultural product , thanks in part to the rich soil and strong backs .
© Paul Cyr Photography © Paul Cyr Photography
Today , growers focus on certified seed , processing , table stock , and specialty markets like potato chips . We celebrate our signature product annually with the Maine Potato Blossom Festival , hosted by the town of Fort Fairfield as Aroostook County ’ s premier , family-friendly event . Scheduled in July , the festival coincides with the gorgeous sight of millions of potato blossoms coming into bloom . For this year ’ s 70th anniversary , the festival features the ever-popular Potato Queen pageants ( five this year ), a float parade , music , fireworks , good eats , and more . The festival is often a homecoming for generations of Fort Fairfield residents .
But potatoes are only the beginning ! Ten percent of Aroostook is tillable farmland : When you consider The County is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined , you understand agriculture ’ s importance . You ’ ll see endless fields full of broccoli , cauliflower , wheat , corn , berries — the list goes on . Malt barley and hops are grown for Maine ’ s craft brewing industry . At smaller farms , you ’ ll come upon greenhouses full of colorful flowers , tomatoes ready for early harvest , or pick-your-own strawberry fields . Goughan ’ s Berry Farm in Caribou features a unique corn maze every fall .
Some farm stands have foraged fiddleheads packaged up for you — or you can pick them yourself . These are a tasty treat , cooked until tender then tossed with dressing . Another must-have — Aroostook County maple syrup . The sap is collected and processed the old-fashioned way — tapped and then boiled . Maine Maple Sunday celebrates this delicious industry with free samples and demonstrations . It ’ s a great opportunity to meet people : Maple syrup gets people excited !
Many small farms also offer other products , like apple butter , herbs , or homemade soap . And you ’ ll see numerous farm stands that go by the honor system : Simply shop on your own , then drop your money into the payment box . Above all , you ’ ll find our farmers are friendly and happy to show you around .
© MichaelGudreauPhotography
CHECK OUT WHILE YOU ’ RE HERE
Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum , Littleton , OldPlow . org Maple Meadow Farms , Mapleton , MapleMeadowFarms . com Knot II Bragg Farm , Wade , KnotiiBragg . com Goughan ’ s Berry Farm , Caribou , Facebook . com / Goughans
For more information about farms , farmers markets , and pick-your-own locations in the region visit our website , GetRealMaine . com , or call Judy at 888-216-2463 .
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