Number of young farmers growing in Maine

While much of the country frets about the greying of the horticulture industry, it appears that Maine may have found the Fountain of Youth.

According to recently released USDA Census of Agriculture data, the number of young farmers increased 40 percent from 2007 to 2012. Maine jumped from 396 young farmers to 551 during that time. During that same five-year stretch the rest of the country experienced a significantly slower growth rate, with young farmers increasing by a comparitively paltry 1.5 percent.

The Bangor Daily reported on the increase, citing several factors for the drastic increase including: "relatively affordable farmland, beautiful country, a good market for produce and the new farmer programs offered by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association."

The increase in young farmers is part of a larger uptick in farming for the state. The value of agricultural products in the state has increased, mirroing a similar upswing for agricultural product value nationwide. In addition, the amount of statewide farm land has increased by eight percent.

Fore more information, check out the Bangor Daily article.