Crops in Penobscot County

Greenhouse Production

The greenhouse industry in Penobscot county includes over 260,000 square feet of production space, making it the third largest county in greenhouse production in Maine. This segment of the agricultural community generates over $2.6 million in annual sales.

Work with this industry includes educational programs, and one-on-one consultation for problem solving and facilities construction.

Each year, several plots at the Penobscot County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden are devoted to the needs of the greenhouse industry. The All-American Selections (AAS) display garden and displays of other plant materials are planted for use in educational programs for the greenhouse industry.

Field Crop Production

Penobscot County has a large population of small farm operators producing small fruit, vegetables and tree fruit. Many of these farms are part-time operations with the farm owner working a full-time job in addition to farming. These small farms provide supplemental income for families in the order of $2 - $4 million per year for the county. Information is provided to these producers through public meetings, publications and one-on-one consultations.

Publications

Eastern Maine Native Plant Arboretum

Come visit an outdoor classroom. Twenty-four different species of native trees and shrubs are being evaluated for their use and performance in urban landscapes. The planting, eventually totaling over 100 plants, will also be used to provide educational opportunities for residents of eastern Maine.

The Arboretum, funded with a grant from Project Canopy, financial support from the Maine Federation of Garden Clubs, and made possible with outstanding support from the local community and businesses, is located next to the Penobscot County Extension office at 307 Maine Avenue in Bangor. The Bangor Campus of the University of Maine at Augusta provided the site and support for ongoing maintenance of the Arboretum.

Dr. Reeser Manley, principle investigator for the grant, Gleason Gray, Penobscot County Extension Educator, and Marjorie Peronto, Hancock County Extension Educator, are overseeing the development of the project.

Additional Agriculture Resources

• Maine Department of Agriculture:
  www.state.me.us/agriculture/
• University of Maine Department of Forest Management:
  www.forest.umaine.edu
• Maine Agricultural Center:
  www.mac.umaine.edu/
• Maine Forest Service:
  http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/
• United States Department of Agriculture:
  www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome