Agricultural Services Staff - (back row, left to right)  Katy Green, Eric Sideman, C.J. Walke, John Chartier, David Colson.  (front row, left to right)  Diane Schivera, Cheryl Wixson, Melissa White Pillsbury.

MOFGA is the first organization in the country to provide technical assistance specific to organic farming and gardening. Our Agricultural Services staff provides farming, gardening and marketing assistance to growers in Maine and beyond. We assist seasoned organic growers, help new organic farmers get started and educate conventional farmers concerning the benefits of organic methods. Whether you're growing acres of vegetables, producing organic milk or planting your first garden, we are here to help you succeed!

Ask questions about vegetables, small fruits, flowers, soils or pests.

Ask questions about livestock or fields.

Ask questions about organic tree fruit.

Ask questions about organic farm marketing.

Ask questions about transitioning to organic or on-farm conservation.

Since 1986, Eric Sideman, MOFGA's Organic Crops Specialist, has helped hundreds of farmers solve growing problems and improve their soils. Eric is the author of many of MOFGA's fact sheets on organic farming and gardening. During the growing season, he produces a weekly pest report, which identifies local insect and disease problems, and provides organic solutions. Eric is an author of a farmer-to-farmer directory of sustainable farming practices in Maine. Eric provides technical assistance through on-site farm visits, phone conversations and written and email correspondence.

Our Organic Livestock Specialist, Diane Schivera, assists farmers with questions about raising farm animals organically. Diane works closely with the Maine Alternative Poultry Association (MAPA), and the Maine Grass Farmers' Network. She coordinates workshops and pasture walks on alternative livestock health practices and management. Diane also writes fact sheets on livestock issues. Diane provides technical assistance through on-site farm visits, phone conversations and written and email correspondence.

MOFGA also provides marketing assistance for Maine's organic farmers. Melissa White Pillsbury, our Organic Marketing Coordinator, helps MOFGA farmers identify appropriate markets, and assists markets in securing reliable sources of farm goods. Cheryl Wixson is working with MOFGA to develop a strategic marketing plan for organic, locally-grown foods. A primary focus of MOFGA's organic farm marketing efforts is developing the network of Community Supported Agriculture farm programs (CSAs), and increasing the number of Maine households participating in the model.

C.J. Walke, MOFGA's Organic Orchardist, manages the two orchards at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine.  He also works with fruit tree growers and home gardeners to build orchard health and establish organic methods of pest and disease control.  C.J. is deeply involved in MOFGA's Organic Orcharding Workshop Series  and gives various presentations on organic growing in the Belfast, Maine area.

John Chartier, MOFGA's Aroostook County Coordinator, is an organic resource provider who works with farmers, processors, retailers, government agencies and other non-profits to help them build a healthy and economically viable food system for The County.

Katy Green, MOFGA's Organic Transition Coordinator, connects growers to conservation and cost-sharing programs for on-farm improvements.  Katy also helps growers transition land and/or crops to certified organic production.