Region 1: Agriculture

Basic Information

Diversity describes New England agriculture in every way; from the variety of crops we produce to how these products reach the consumer.

Our crops include bedding plants, cucurbits, lettuce, wild blueberries and sweet corn—naming a few. Our states are known by the crops they produce-cranberries in Massachusetts; potatoes in Maine; dairy in Vermont and all of our states have some level of maple syrup production.

The sale and distribution of our crops are also diverse-farmer's markets, wholesaling, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farm stands or value added products. Each venue offers our producers unique opportunities and challenges.

Our small scale agriculture makes significant contributions to our beautiful region.

Some New England agricultural statistics:

• As of 2006, New England has 27,950 farms.
• The average farm size is 143 acres.
• Cash receipts from milk sales continue to be the top contributor to overall marketings, with $681 million in sales in 2005. Greenhouse and nursery sales were the next largest cash contributor at $535 million.

The future offers exciting possibilities in energy, marketing and niche vegetable production largely in ethnic crops.

Farmers must be effective stewards of the environment to protect the basis of their livelihood. We strive to work with agricultural producers to protect and improve environmental quality by employing collaborations with a variety of partners; state, local and not for profit groups. We encourage the use of all available tools and resources that help agricultural producers voluntarily meet applicable environmental standards.

• USDA Main Page
• EPA National Agriculture Page
• Links to the New England State Departments of Agriculture:
  • Connecticut
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
• USDA Agricultural Statistics
• New England Agricultural Statistics