Replenova in Durham

Maine and farming go together like peanut butter and fluff. Agriculture is deeply rooted in our state’s history and remains a viable part of our present. It is, therefore, no wonder that this Maine Features project will highlight numerous farms. Some were included in the early days of the adventure; additional ones will show up in future posts. Each of them are unique. 

Replenova Farm has a combination of many unique elements. Originally located in the town of Cumberland, it was relocated in 2019 to a 17-acre plot in Durham. The new site sits alongside busy Route 136 that many folks use to travel between Interstate 295 in Freeport and the Lewiston/Auburn area. I visited during the month of February. The snow was falling throughout my tour. This is not a normal time of year to schedule an appointment to see a Maine farm, but Replenova is not your typical farm!

This is not Gary! 😁

Gary Goodrich, who founded the farm in 2015, generously spent time showing me around and telling me the story behind Replenova. It didn’t take too long before a one-word theme became clear: sustainability. Though the term might appropriately be first associated with the environment, the definition is applied far more broadly at Replenova. 

With one look, a visitor can easily recognize that Replenova is unusual in comparison to the majority of farms in Maine. For starters, there is no residence — farmhouse or otherwise. No one lives on the property. There are also no animals (unless you count the deer that considered the place to be a new local buffet option). 

Replenova does have a large red barn which is a far more common feature of Maine farms. The roof is covered in solar energy panels. This is one of the more visible facets of the sustainability efforts. The components for additional solar technology are located behind the barn next to some high tunnel growing houses. Aside from a bit of diesel fuel to run the tractors, the entire operation runs on electricity produced through solar energy. In fact, throughout 2020 more than double the amount of power needed was generated. This achievement is the realization of one of Gary’s many goals.

Care of the land is another aspect of the farm’s sustainability objectives. Replenova received certification from the Maine Organic Farmer and Gardener’s Association (MOFGA) in its first year of operation and a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification from the USDA the following year. Most of the structures around the grounds are devoted to growing food. There is a seed starter house, a drying house, an herb garden, and numerous high tunnel growing houses. In the latter, I was surprised to see spinach growing in the dead of winter! Gary explained that they will plant their peas in March with an expected June crop. I will plan to stop by again around that time to check on the results!

Part of the Replenova vision is to provide employees a stable, living wage in a safe work environment. It isn’t easy to structure a farm for profitability. Gary and his team are taking a multifaceted approach. You can find their products at Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport, as well as three Portland locations: Rosemont Market and Bakery, Whole Foods, and the Portland Food Co-op. Additionally, the farm has an online store. Best of all, you can shop in person at the farm’s market which is run by friendly and helpful staff. 

The onsite market is yet another way that Replenova stands out — it is open year round. The store contains not only products grown on their land, but those from other local vendors. Gary has defined “local” as within thirty miles of the farm. All but two of the items in the inventory fit this qualification — and those exceptions are still produced within Maine. The farm market has a kitchen in which a variety of delicious baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and other food options are created. The “local” factor also applies to what is whipped up in this space. 

Replenova supports the community by donating a portion of their produce. Since the second year of operation, the farm has partnered with the Good Shepherd Food Bank to share with those in need.

By the USDA definition, Replenova is still a new farm and will be until its tenth year of operation. They remain in "learning mode” as they experiment with timing and varieties of crops. According to Gary, they are offering one model of how Maine can grow the food to feed ourselves. 

A takeaway lesson from the pandemic has been the importance of local food sources. With its focus on sustainability and its many unique creative features, Replenova is a great option for Mainers to support. Visit their website to learn more.

********

I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Check here to see if I’ve featured yours yet: All The Visits. To learn more about this adventure, see the about page.