The William Jordan family has been operating their farm in Cape Elizabeth for more than half a century, with much of their extended family still involved in agricultural operations. The Jordans sell vegetables wholesale and through a farm stand, and run a popular pick-your-own strawberry operation. The farm’s success is due to the family’s hard work, the land’s productive soils, and the fact that Cape Elizabeth has the longest growing season in Maine (due to the coast’s moderating influence). Area residents cherish this local landmark where they come to buy fresh produce and enjoy scenic vistas out over the farmfields to Spurwink Marsh and the historic Spurwink Church. Each fall, busloads of local schoolchildren arrive to pick pumpkins, feed the chickens, and sample the farm’s wares.
Jordan Farm also supplies two local food pantries and provides low-income seniors with fresh produce through the State’s Farm-Share Program. The Jordan family wanted to maintain this farming tradition, but as area land values soared, the pressures to sell for development increased. Three nearby farms all sold and were built out, the most recent one into a 97-lot subdivision. The Jordans chose another path, offering to sell development rights on key portions of their farm (a strategy that lowers the property value, making it more affordable to keep land in productive use). With support from the family and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program, and the USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust acquired an easement on Jordan Farm that prevents future subdivision or development and promotes its continued farming.
Jordan Farm abuts Spurwink Marsh (part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge), providing important wildlife habitat as well as local produce. Hay is cut late in the season to protect threatened birds such as bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks that nest in the fields.
Please note: On private farms protected with Land for Maine’s Future Program support, public access is by landowner permission only. Please see the icons to determine allowed uses and follow any guidance posted on the property. For more information on how to obtain landowner permission, contact Stephanie Gilbert at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Closest Town
Cape Elizabeth
Activities
Farmstand/pick-your-own
Region
Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acres
47
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 3, A-4. From Broadway in South Portland, take Route 77 toward Cape Elizabeth, turning right in 2 miles onto Scott Dyer Road. At the intersection with Spurwink Road (in 1 mile) go straight onto Wells Road. The farmstand is on the right less than one-tenth mile from the intersection of the Spurwink and Wells Roads.
