Commercial farming, fishing, and forestry are historically rooted in the DownEast Acadia way of life. Today, locals cherish those traditions not only as essential livelihoods but as a way to showcase the best Maine has to offer.
Traveling through the region, you’ll notice our vast blueberry barrens, cranberry bogs, and potato fields. In recent years, farm entrepreneurs have expanded their agricultural products. Did you know we’re home to one of the most significant broccoli growers east of the Mississippi?
All of that translates directly to your palate. You’ll find fresh seafood, produce, dairy products, meats, flowers, even solar-evaporated Maine sea salt in every type of outlet—from supermarkets to corner groceries to restaurants to farmers markets and farmstands.
Visiting the coast, you’ll see our working fishermen in action—perhaps hauling lobster from the deeps or farming oysters on the rivers. Fishermen sell their hauls to local retailers, but you’re also likely to find them selling from the back of their truck or fresh off the boat.
Consider scheduling your own deep sea fishing excursion or hiring a guide on one of the many lakes rivers and streams in the area.
Many of our small farms are organic, and some offer educational outreach and open farm days. Visit a "pick-your-own" farm or one of the many DownEast Farmer's Markets. Homemade, gourmet, and artisanal treats abound: jams, jellies, pies, cheeses, microbrews prepared from Maine-grown hops — and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Delicious!
Here are a few helpful links for you to plan yoiur adventures:
- Robertson’s Sea Tours and Adventures - Haul a lobster trap!
- Downeast Institute - A preeminent marine research laboratory and education center.
- Tide Mill Organic Farm - A 200-year-old working farm with educational opportunities
- Hatch Knoll Farm - A year round farm store specializing in local goods. Our farm hoop house and goats supply local food through out the year!
- Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
- Eastport Windjammers - Deep Sea Fishing Excursions
- The Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce - Several fishing experience options
- Farmers' Markets Downeast - Farmers’ Markets are the perfect place to meet locals while picking up fresh and prepared foods.
Further inland, you’ll start to see the logging roads that lead to our famed timber production lands—a massive $8.5 billion industry that employs thousands. Some companies allow public use of their lands.
