Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with The Land Institute, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, three organizations dedicated to sustainability through agriculture. As a culture, farming may nourish mind and body while serving as caretaker of history and community, but current methods threaten the integrity of the planet through soil erosion, pesticide drift, water pollution, and loss of soil carbon. Despite best efforts to improve the sustainability of agriculture, the majority of crops still fail to build soil, unlike the native prairies and forests that agriculture has replaced.

Since 1975, The Land Institute of Salina, Kansas, has been working to shift the norms of modern farming methods by breeding perennial grain and seed crops and researching agricultural systems that mimic those found in nature. If successful, ample food could be grown while simultaneously reducing or even eliminating the ecological impact of industrial agricultural practices.

The oldest and largest state organic organization in the country, MOFGA has been educating the community and advocating for organic agriculture since 1971. Likewise, Freeport’s Wolfe’s Neck Center demonstrates innovative regenerative farming methods in the hopes of inspiring active participation in a healthier food system.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., join The Land Institute President, Fred Iutzi, to learn about these restorative, deeply-rooted perennial crops and how you can join in the journey ahead. Following the talk, Iutzi will be joined by the executive directors of MOFGA and Wolfe’s Neck Center in a panel discussion. MOFGA’s Sarah Alexander will talk about what calls her to sustainable agriculture, outline current projects, and share what is inspiring her as she looks toward the future of MOFGA and Maine's agricultural systems. David Herring of Wolfe’s Neck Center will discuss his work to re-establish the relationship with farming and food through a major initiative aimed at helping advance regenerative agriculture. Tickets for this event are $10; for more information and to register, visit Shop.MaineGardens.org