In a unique agricultural venture, Mike Maher, a property owner in Harpswell, Maine, is proposing a free long-term lease of his 34-acre farmland to promote organic farming and sustainability. This opportunity aims to keep the land productive for future generations.
Mike Maher is offering a 50 to 100-year lease of his farmland on Harpswell Neck Road for free, under the condition that it is developed organically, Mail Online reported.
Mike Maher purchased the property in 2021 for $1.5 million with plans to establish a business school and an organic farm on a separate seven-acre portion. However, he has since shifted his focus entirely to fostering organic practices across the larger area, excluding the development of commercial properties on the site.
Maher’s commitment to sustainability and organic farming stems from his belief in their long-term benefits. He states, "I'm a big believer in small organic farms," reflecting his intention for the Harpswell property.
The proposed free lease presents challenges. The farmland currently lacks essential infrastructure such as water and power, and it excludes the farmhouse and barn, which Maher uses during the summer and rents out during the winter via Airbnb.
Despite the high cost of initial investments needed for infrastructure, Maher's proposition has already attracted attention. In fact, local records value the land at about $1.36 million, and it once served for grazing and vegetable gardening. Moreover, the land boasts fertile soil and hosts one of Maine’s oldest Baldwin apple trees.
Maher’s dedication is clear when he says, "I don't want to make money from this. I just want to find a way to make sure this farm is viable for the next generation." Therefore, his goals establish a visionary framework for the land's use.
However, prospective tenants must navigate the complexities of developing a farm from the ground up, including installing essential utilities. This venture, in addition to requiring substantial financial input, demands a deep commitment to organic farming practices.
Interest in the lease has been significant, with five to six inquiries since the announcement. Maher expects candidates to share his passion for organic and potentially regenerative farming, incorporating a blend of vegetables, animals, and orchards into the farmland.
Maher emphasizes the agricultural potential of the land by stating, "The farmland has great soil but has not been used as farmland in many decades." He focuses on organic methods to restore and enhance the land's health and productivity.
This leasing opportunity offers the potential to cultivate the historical Baldwin apple tree, adding to the charm and heritage of the property. Maher highlights that the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) certifies this tree as the state's oldest of its kind.
Harpswell, lacking other available cultivable land, finds Maher's offer timely and potentially beneficial. The high demand for agricultural spaces could propel this project, supported by Maher’s assistance in branding and marketing once the farm is operational.
Maher's vision extends beyond mere farming; he sees this as a venture in sustainability, "I would love to have a farmer who is interested in having a mix of vegetable, animals, and potentially orchard farm the land." His commitment extends to offering branding and marketing support to the tenant, aiding in establishing a successful organic operation.
By providing a long-term lease, Maher hopes to ensure a commitment to both the land and the ideals of environmentally friendly farming, thereby securing a sustainable future for the property. "It just proves commitment, a rare opportunity, if a complicated one," he admits.
As the search for the right candidate continues, Maher remains optimistic about finding a tenant who can realize the full potential of the land under the conditions laid out. This unique agricultural project offers a rare chance for aspiring organic farmers to develop a substantial farm without the burden of land costs, setting a precedent for future farming initiatives.
