FARMINGTON – Things are changing fast for those involved in agriculture, said Richard Marble after the second in a series of meetings for local farmers and others interested in farming.

Nearly 20 people attended the Feb. 4 meeting to exchange ideas on farmers markets, a senior farm share program and a program to find equipment for farmers.

Sponsored by the Farmington Grange, a third meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the Marble Family Farms, 853 Holley Road. Farmers and anyone else interested in farming is welcome, he said.

Maine has the youngest average age of farmers and agriculturally is one of the fastest growing states, but needs more farm land and equipment, Marble said. The group is seeking more land to lend or lease for established farmers and for younger people looking for a start.

At the recent meeting, discussion centered on an apprentice program that would give farmers help while giving potential farmers an opportunity to learn by doing, he said.

Another topic up for more discussion was ideas on ways to get equipment for those who need it to farm and criteria for sharing the equipment. That program, starting under the auspices of the grange, a non-profit group, would look for donated or inexpensive equipment.

“The future of farms is in smaller farms,” Marble said. “We can’t compete with big farms who sell in bulk so we operate on processing and making valuable what we do produce.”

The future for Maine farms is producing for local consumption, he said. An effort to make the farmers market more available for customers and profitable for farmers includes expanding it to evening hours in the new court house parking lot this summer, Marble said.

A state program that benefits senior citizens as well as farmers was raised by Bonnie Clark of Farmington. A Senior FarmShare Program, funded by Maine Department of Agriculture, entitles seniors to $50 of free fruits and vegetables during the 10-week growing season with a participating farm. Farmers are reimbursed by the state.

People interested in attending Monday’s meeting are asked to call Marble at 491-6166 to ensure there is enough space, he said.