Staff turnover at coastal Maine food co-op leads to wasted crops for farmers

ISLAND AD-VANTAGES • July 31, 2026

Frustrated area farmers are pushing for changes at the Blue Hill Co-op after the store suddenly stopped ordering local produce during peak growing season. Four farmers said the timing of the problem, right as they were harvesting food to sell dealt an unexpected financial blow to farms already operating on thin margins. According to general manager Kevin Gadsby, the sudden halt in ordering was the result of staff turnover and disorganization in the nonprofit grocery store’s produce department. “Small farms play a significant role in making an area climate resilient, and the co-op plays a huge role in supporting small farms. I hope they figure it out,” said Reid Calhoun, co-owner of Moonbeam Farm in Blue Hill.