Funding for a Farming Future
For decades, Jodie lived a life defined by hard work and service—as a farmer, a fisherman, a volunteer firefighter, and a father. When a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia forced him into retirement, our family farm faced an uncertain crossroads.
Instead of letting that legacy fade, we chose to step in.
Transitioning a farm is never easy, especially without the guidance of our patriarch. But over the last three years, we have rallied together. Tucker paused his fishing career to operate the machinery; Steven shifted from a life at sea to a life in the fields; and Caitlin took the reins of daily management, setting aside other dreams to ensure the farm remains in the family. With the unwavering support of Casey, Lincoln, and our incredible farming neighbors, we have kept the soil turning.
Our Vision
We are committed to this way of life, but we realize that for Alewives to thrive in a modern world, we must modernize our infrastructure. We aren't just looking to "get by"; we are looking to build a farm that is sustainable, efficient, and safe for the next generation.
To reach that goal, we have identified several critical capital needs:
- Drip Irrigation: To conserve water and ensure crop resilience.
- New High Tunnel Covers: To extend our growing season and protect our yields.
- Structural Improvements: Including a new working platform/deck and cement work to create cleaner, safer, and more efficient workspaces.
- New Fencing: To protect our investment and our land.
An Invitation to You
Farming is a balance of passion and practicality. We know that the value of a farm isn't just measured in dollars, but in the community, it feeds and the heritage it preserves.
We are asking for your investment to help us bridge this gap. Your support demonstrates that you share our dream of keeping local agriculture alive in Cape Elizabeth. By helping us fund these improvements, you aren’t just donating to a project—you are investing in the longevity of our community’s farming future.
How You Can Join Us
We’ve designed two meaningful ways for you to invest in the future of Alewives Farm:
1. The "Funding for a Farming Future" CollectionFor a $100 investment, you will receive a limited-edition Alewives Farm t-shirt or hat. These feature our new "Funding for a Farming Future" design—a badge of honor that shows you are a partner in preserving our local agricultural heritage. Wear it with pride knowing you helped pour the concrete or pull the plastic for our new high tunnels.
2. The CSA Legacy Add-onIf you are joining us for the upcoming season through our CSA program, you can choose to add a Legacy Investmentto your membership. This extra contribution goes directly toward our capital projects, ensuring that the vegetables on your table are grown with the most sustainable and efficient infrastructure possible.
Whether you’re wearing our logo on your hat or adding a gift to your CSA, your support means more than just a financial boost. It tells our family that this work matters. It tells Jodie that the farm he built has a community standing behind it.
We thank you in advance for joining us on this venture.
The Jordan and Harriman Families