I was weeding rows of eggplant on the day the inspector came through, and talking with another volunteer.

“Is that the Mafia inspector?” the other volunteer said. “I mean, uh, MOFGA.”

And then he paused and corrected himself. “I shouldn’t say that. Maine wouldn’t be half the state it is if it wasn’t for MOFGA.”

It’s true. In addition to certifying local farms for organic production, MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association) is a huge advocate for local agriculture. They provide for local farmers, who in turn provide for their communities. The networking and programs they offer are a big part of the reason that Farmer J’s able to do this work; he’s even signed on with MOFGA’s Journeyman program, which provides all kinds of support for new farmers.

And every year, MOFGA hosts the three-day Common Ground Fair, Maine’s largest outdoor festival, which draws attendees from all over the state to celebrate rural living and local agriculture. It’s fun and full of people, and it usually rains. Barb and I went one particularly muddy year, and I suspect it’ll be a few years before we go again; that many people in one place (over 22,000 over the course of three days) was a little overwhelming.

All this is to say: I’m very proud of the farmer. He’s participating in something much bigger than himself, but at the same time very particular and very specifically his. It’s great that he’s got his MOFGA certification. And I really like eating his food.