Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) at an Event in Portland Last Year.

Crystal Spring Community Farm (CSCF), of Brunswick, has been awarded $100,000 to strengthen and expand the organic market in Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced late last week.  The funding will go towards a new packaging machine that will allow the Farm to expand markets and enter new markets with its and other farmers produce.

“During a time when our farmers are feeling increased challenges due to extreme weather and rising costs, targeted federal support through programs like the Organic Market Development Grant program has a huge impact on small organic farms like Crystal Spring Communitty Farm.  This funding will help Crystal Spring Community Farm and its network of organic producers expand the organic market in Maine – its a win for producers, consumers and the environment,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Co-chair of the House Organic Caucus.  “As the Agriculture Committee and I work on a new Farm Bill, I am fighting to make the Organic Market Development Grant program permanent to suppleent our organic farmers and to strengthen the organic food industry.”

“This award from USDA/AMS will be nothing short of transformational for a smaller organic farm like ours,” said CSCF Owner and Manager Seth Kroeck.  “We work cooperatively with other growers of our size to access larger wholesale markets and the recognition of our efforts by the USDA through the Organic Market Development Program is really significant.”