Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Unveils New Farmers Market After Years of Advocacy

September 24 marked a significant milestone for the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust as the organization held its ceremonial groundbreaking for a new farmers market at the historic Dionne Farm site. The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate the beginning of a long-term commitment to preserving local agriculture and creating a gathering place for residents.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the heart of Crystal Spring Farm, located along the conservation and agricultural corridor stretching from Brunswick to Freeport. Situated just over a mile from downtown Brunswick and positioned across the road from the existing farmers market, the site offers ample on-site parking and is poised to become a vibrant community hub.

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, an organization deeply committed to protecting farmland and supporting local food systems, has spent years advocating for the preservation of this particular parcel of land. In the early 1990s, the trust's founding members recognized that Crystal Spring Farm faced imminent threats from developers who could have converted the prime agricultural land into hundreds of housing units. Despite the land being listed for sale at nearly $700,000, the group acted decisively to acquire the property for the benefit of the entire region.

The acquisition was made possible through a combination of resources and community support. While the trust described themselves as "rich" with only $4,000 in cash reserves, they secured the land through a determined campaign to protect what they considered some of the finest agricultural territory in Maine. The trust later expanded its holdings to 360 acres, including the Dionne Farm site, which was purchased as a gift of place in 2025.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, 75 attendees gathered to witness the symbolic planting of shovels—a tradition representing the collective effort behind the upcoming market. Eleven prominent community figures participated in the ritual, each taking a turn to dig into the ground before posing for photographs. Among them were Tom Settlemire, the trust's fundraising committee honorary chair and a founding figure of the farmers market initiative; Kristi Hatrick, the executive director; Julia St.Clair, the agricultural programs manager; and Margaret Wilson, a board member leading the market effort.

The new farmers market is designed to embody the community spirit that has defined the trust's mission since its inception. According to Hatrick, the core principle guiding the project is simple yet profound: providing a space where participants can "get to meet the face of your food." The market will welcome up to 50 local vendors, complemented by newly-planted shade trees and designated areas for seating and informal gatherings beneath a pavilion.

Rick Wilson, a longtime educator and former market director, offered an early insight into the philosophy driving the project. His advice—encapsulated in the market slogan—highlights the importance of personal connection between consumers and producers. "You get to meet the face of your food," Wilson noted, emphasizing how the market aims to bridge the gap between growers and communities while fostering appreciation for locally sourced produce.

The decision to locate the market at Dionne Farm reflects both practical considerations and deep-rooted values. The site sits within a conservation corridor connecting Brunswick to Freeport, offering access to high-quality agricultural land while remaining accessible to residents. Its proximity to the existing farmers market ensures continuity of service, while the planned expansion provides additional capacity for vendors and visitors.

Jim Howard, president and CEO of Priority Real Estate and a pillar sponsor of the market, highlighted the economic and social benefits of such initiatives. Similarly, Glenn Hutchinson, president and CEO of Bath Savings Institution, served as another pillar sponsor, underscoring the collaborative nature of this community-driven effort.

Tom Settlemire, who continues to play a leadership role in the trust's operations, reflected on the journey that led to this moment. Speaking during the ceremony, he recounted the urgency of the early 1990s when the trust first learned that Crystal Spring Farm was under threat of development. "We knew that we had to save this land from housing development. Developers could have put hundreds of houses out here. It was special farm land, some of the best in Maine, and beautiful terrain." Though the trust lacked substantial capital at the time, they proceeded anyway, driven by a conviction that the land's value extended far beyond its potential as residential real estate.

The broader context of the project reveals a pattern of stewardship. The trust's acquisition of Dionne Farm in 2025 represents growth from its initial efforts, expanding its protected acreage to 360 total. This expansion demonstrates a sustained commitment to preserving agricultural heritage within the Brunswick-Topsham region.

As the market prepares to open next summer, the community looks forward to a season of shared harvests, local entrepreneurship, and strengthened connections between growers and consumers. The new facility promises not only a venue for seasonal produce but also a lasting symbol of regional cooperation and environmental responsibility.

For the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and its supporters, the groundbreaking on September 24 marks more than a single event—it signifies a continued dedication to safeguarding the land that sustains their community while building a foundation for future generations.