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FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the Cape Farm Alliance produce and sell farm products and services?

No, the Cape Farm Alliance is an organization made up of farmers, fishermen and other supporters of a local farming and food-related economy and lifestyle.  Contact the farms directly if you are seeking a specific product or service.

  • Where can I buy…..?

The farms of Cape Elizabeth produce and sell vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, seafood, plants, trees and many other products.  Please browse our alphabetical Directory or click on “view” then “search” in our Food & Farm Map.

  • Is the Cape Farm Alliance a non-profit organization?

We are a registered not-for-profit corporation with the state of Maine.  We have not yet sought 501(c)(3) status with the IRS but if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, we have a relationship with a local fiscal sponsor in order for this to work for you.  Contact us for details.

  • Does Cape Elizabeth have CSA’s?  What are CSA’s?

Yes, several farms such as Jordan’s Farm, Alewives Brook Farm, Green Spark Farm and Barn Swallow Farm offer CSA’s (you can find them on the Directory or the Map).  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and while the details of each farm’s CSA program may vary, they are all essentially ways for consumers to purchase a “share” of the farm produce in advance and receive distributions of the food over the course of the season.

  • Is there a Farm Camp in Cape Elizabeth?

Yes, there is a Farm Camp at Turkey Hill Farm.  Full details here.

  • What kind of farm animals can be kept by residents of Cape Elizabeth?

It depends. First you need to know what “zone” you are living in by referencing this Zoning Map(it is a fairly large .pdf file so allow a minute to load on your screen).

Residential Districts (RA, RB, and RC) allow for Agriculture, provided that no animal or fowl shall be raised for commercial purposes on any lot containing less than one hundred thousand square feet (100,000 sq.ft. or approximately 2.3 acres).

Residential Districts (RA, RB, and RC) allow for the keeping of livestock, such as a horse, cow, pig, goat, sheep, or similar animal, provided that such activity occurs only on a lot containing at least one hundred thousand square feet (100,000 sq.ft. or approximately 2.3 acres).

In addition to the requirements above, commercial piggeries and abattoirs are prohibited in all districts; and a poultry house or range containing more than twenty-five (25) birds shall be located at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any property line.

Please note: It is always prudent to call the code enforcement officer at town hall before proceeding with any land use decision.

  • How many farms are there in Cape Elizabeth?

Farms that offer some sort of product or service to the public number about eighteen as of Spring 2011.  There are other “farms” and quite a bit of farmland that are not necessarily open for business transactions with the public.  There are also many residences that carry on some type of agriculturally productive activity, even if primarily for their own consumption (gardens, horses, backyard chickens, beekeeping, etc.).

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