The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) held its annual Showcase event on November 16, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the state's economy and higher education. It was an incredible evening highlighting the breadth of work and impact FAME has had over the last forty years to foster opportunities and support Maine's entrepreneurial spirit.
Springworks Farm, founded by Trevor Kenkel, received FAME's‘ Business at Work for Maine' award. In his acceptance speech, Trevor expressed profound gratitude to FAME for its tireless work and influence on developing opportunities in Maine. He attributed the growth and success of Springworks to the collaborative community that FAME and like-minded, values-driven organizations have built over the years.
Springworks Farm is committed to an organic and regional approach to year-round lettuce production in the Northeast. Springworks has grown from a modest 6,000-square-foot greenhouse a decade ago to a 190,000-square-foot footprint at their farm in Lisbon, Maine. Recognizing the environmental impact of centralized lettuce production, where over 95% is grown in California and Arizona, the farm offsets millions of heads of lettuce that would have been grown in water-stressed regions. By growing indoors, year-round, Springworks reduces food miles and delivers a fresher, local, and organic product to their broader community.
Springworks Farm's sustainable practices extend beyond cultivation. In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Kenkel emphasized Springworks' dedication to creating quality jobs. Every Springworks employee receives paid vacation, paid time off, access to healthcare, and a matching safe harbor 401k plan.
Supported by FAME, Farm Credit East, and major customers like Hannaford and Whole Foods, Springworks Farm is poised for significant expansion. A 120,000-square-foot greenhouse is under construction and set to triple production capacity and double the team size over the next year. This expansion represents just Phase One of a planned half-a-million-square-foot growth over the next six years.
For more information:
Springworks
www.springworksfarm.com