Aldermere Farm seeks ideas for Route 90 farmland future

Last July, two land trusts joined forces to keep an old Rockport farm working, and now an effort is underway to plan for its future.

On Dec. 6, Aldermere Farm will hold a public forum at the Rockport Opera House to talk about the role of the Erickson Farm in the local community, and generate ideas about its possible agricultural use. Citizens are encouraged to attend this forum, scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room, and participate in the discussion.

Ron Howard, general manager of Aldermere Farm, will present a brief outline of the effort to acquire the 90-plus acres on Route 90, where Belted Galloways currently graze. Marieta Wheaton, whose family farmed the land for the past 200 years, will also be on hand to share the history of the farm, and how the land had been cultivated in the past.

The intention of its acquisition is to keep the farm in production, and use it for agricultural projects. An effort is underway to generate funding to complete the farm’s purchase, as a local campaign for the Erickson Farm kicks off this winter.

The property sold for $965,000. Maine Farmland Trust has secured a federal grant that will cover about a third of the cost, but most of the remaining funds will come from local fundraising.

”Beyond retaining working farmland and scenic vistas, this property also provides opportunities for local recreation and perhaps creative educational and community opportunities”, said Howard. The land is located close to the Rockport Elementary School, the independent Ashwood School, and the Camden/Rockport High School.

Plan to attend the Dec. 6 forum and lend your thoughts about the future of the Erickson Farm.