Forest Products and Agriculture

Although forest products and agriculture are two of Maine's oldest clusters, they have also embraced innovation and new product development in order to stay competitive. Subsectors of each have emerged that depend upon both Maine's vast forests and unique farming community, and take advantage of national demand for bio-based products to replace petroleum-based goods, and sustainable, locally grown foods. Another driver is the move from commodity paper products to advanced, specialized papers.

Research in Maine is focused both on wood as an element in composites (see Composites and Advanced Materials) and in biofuels and other bio-based products. Agricultural products are also being considered as a feedstock. (See Environment and Energy.)

Small, niche food products are thriving in Maine, and have spawned a resurgence of award winning chefs, restaurants and food-based tourism. Specialty foods have unique challenges in scaling from home-based operations to commercial kitchens, while maintaining the freshness, quality and organic characteristics that are their trademark.

Research Institutions and Centers

• University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Maine
• Forest Bioproducts Research Initiative
• The Process Development Center

Trade Associations

• Maine Food Producers Alliance
• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
• Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine (http://www.mainebioplastics.org.)

Other Resources

• Maine Made
• Maine Department of Agriculture