Orchard Ridge Farm, Gorham

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? A higher standard. As a family farm, the Bibula family values each visitor and prizes personal service. They grow their fruit so children can pick and eat without washing it first; they cook and bake with quality and personal integrity in mind, avoiding trans fats, dyes and high fructose corn syrup; they source the best local products from other producers, and feature them in their farm market. They search the world for the best fruit trees and grow unusual varieties of fruit, plus a well stocked farm market full of local good things. Featuring their own farm fresh free range eggs, they make donuts and other goodies in their farm bakery, plus fresh pizza, breakfast sandwiches and other hot foods, often using local ingredients. They also raise and sell a wide variety of live chickens for backyard flocks.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business? Steven began farming professionally since 1992 and Amy grew up with farming in her family, but they never had the opportunity to own property and develop their vision of a locally integrated sustainable farm business. In 2010, Steven and Amy saw the opportunity to purchase some lovely farm land in Gorham, Maine. After 150 years in the care of another family, the heirs — no longer farming the land — were conflicted about what to do with the farm property. They wondered if they should sell to the highest bidding developer, for house lots. Some insisted that they hold out for folks who would use the land for farming, which is exactly what happened. Steven and Amy purchased this sleepy farm in 2011, with its old house, barn, shed and acres of hay land. They set about plowing right away. In 2012, they planted their first 200 apple trees. Blueberries and pears followed. Now over twelve acres are planted to fruit trees and bushes. The Bibula family farms, together, offer you the local fruits of their labor, with a clear conscience and a personal commitment to good stewardship of the land and their customers.

What do you love most about your job? Seeing the farm vision develop and unfold on this beautiful piece of land is a privilege. It is also a privilege to sharing and serving the the produce and products our farm produces with the larger community. Having folks come and visit the land and experience a part of our lives will always be a large part of what we, as a family, love about your job.

What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer? The best reactions we get from our customers and visitors to the farm is when they connect to their food source and experience the amazing flavors that fresh food produces. Of course, this is followed by the amazing comments, such as: "This is great!" "I am so glad we found you," "This tastes AMAZING," "This is the best pizza I have ever tasted," "More please!" Our personal favorite reaction is "See you soon" and "We will be back."