Maine’s growing permaculture movement hosts 1st conference

Living close to the land and its systems isn’t a new concept for Maine homesteaders, but some methods for doing so have drawn more attention in recent years.

Permaculture , an alternative farming method focused on creating self-sustaining systems, is moving from the fringes of agriculture to wider adoption. So is agroforestry , which uses forest land in tandem with growing food and raising animals. Interest in both is large enough to sustain Maine’s first conference dedicated to the two practices, happening this weekend in Unity.

A similar event, the Northeast Permaculture Convergence, has been held regionally for a decade. This year, the Maine Permaculture and Agroforestry Convergence also invites people with interests in mycology, herbalism, food sovereignty, traditional skills, activism and homesteading, organizer Jesse Watson said.

The schedule includes talks on native plants, organic Christmas tree farming, hand tools for permaculture projects, perennial vegetables for New England, construction of landscape features and how one permaculture homestead has evolved over 35 years.

On the agroforestry side, events will cover the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new programs promoting agroforestry for “climate smart” sustainable agriculture, using trees to feed livestock and a tour of tree crops on the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association grounds.

Agroforestry has found footing on the state and federal levels in recent years for its potential to manage erosion and soil health, meet government climate goals and support sustainable agriculture efforts.

Permaculture is not a focus of the department, and formal data is scarce, but practitioners say interest and participation is growing.

The convergence includes a discussion about the future and growth of permaculture in Maine, which organizers hope will connect people who use the practices.

The event is organized by the Maine Ecological Design School and the MOFGA. Registration, camping details and a full schedule is available online .