Randall Orchards, is recognized for its growth, diversification and for protecting its precious land against outside development.
The four-generation family farm (1906) has survived many changes in its 110-plus year history. With several hundred acres within the shadow of the City of Portland, it has received tremendous pressure from real estate developers, yet remains an agricultural entity, thanks to the efforts of third-generation owner, the late Richard Randall. In 2014, concerned about the continued future of the farm to remain fully intact, he placed an agricultural conservation easement on the property, made possible through the Presumpscot River Land Trust and a grant by the Land For Maine’s Future, a State of Maine committee appointed by the governor to preserve working farms and open spaces.
This action protects 297 acres of farmland and forest. Additionally, there is a conservation easement protecting 185 acres of mostly wooded property. He passed the following year, knowing the farm would remain in perpetuity. His son, Robert, assumed ownership of the farm and has expanded its offerings.
Randall Orchards’ operations center around growing classic apple varieties. Innovation enters this traditional model in how the farm has diversified its products and services. In terms of production, they have increased the variety of apples grown and have also created or shifted sections to grow other crops, including tree fruits, blueberries and vegetables.
They have further diversified operations to include an on-farm store (featuring both their own produce and other local products), “U-pick” apple areas, and distribution of cider to sellers throughout the region. The cider operation takes place, beginning to end, on the farm and produces several thousand gallons of product annually. In 2022, they ventured into the Christmas tree business to extend their store hours and the business season.
The 400-plus acres of the orchard represent important rural open space in an area that is quickly developing with houses and roads. This helps to maintain the character of the historic towns of Gorham and Standish. The mature forest on the property also provides excellent wildlife habitat.
A variety of recreational opportunities take place on the land. Two loop trails of about three miles in length offer walking, biking and other low-impact recreation. Snowmobiles also use the trails and orchard, and the land is also popular with hunters. The orchard is also a great host site for a number of land trust events, including the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust’s annual meeting in the fall and an extremely popular full moon snowshoe each January.
The farm has broadened its offerings and caters to the public by hosting weddings and public gathering events. They have, with the help of the Land Trusts, developed hiking trails and educational agricultural and conservation events. By doing so, the farm has structured itself for its agricultural future.
The Fellowship of Agricultural Adventurers has honored outstanding leaders in New England agriculture since 1953. A special committee, appointed by the trustees of Eastern States Exposition, selects its annual fellows.
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