John Schwenk

Lifelong involvement in farming in Maine. Experience in stock raising, vegetable production and greenhouse/ nursery stock. Ran a successful market garden/ farm stand on my family land in Freeport for 15 years.

I do not have a formal business plan at the moment, but would of course would do that to seek financing, lines of credit, etc. My plan would be dictated by the markets available, eg. if no local markets are available, then it have to be based on an export/ wholesale model. I have experience in direct sales and wholesale. In the over forty years that I have been involved with Maine agriculture, I have consistently found that the ornamental/ seedling/ nursery trade has provided the highest returns, this would be more than likely be the core of any of my future farming ventures. That being said, I have the experience and knowledge of how to take advantage of niche and specialty products. Farming is my life, and I am looking to continue that, and provide that experience for my two children. I am looking for a new farm, because of a bitter divorce and poor legal representation, has forced the sale of my family home and farm.