On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Somali Bantu farmers from New Roots Cooperative Farm in Lewiston will give a presentation about their new farm at the Friends Meetinghouse in Damariscotta. The event is sponsored by Lincoln County Indivisible and is part of an effort to build greater understanding of, and relationships with, some of Maine’s most recent immigrant populations.

New Roots Cooperative Farm has important ties to the Damariscotta area as they are weekly vendors at the Friday Damariscotta Farmers’ Market. As stated on their website, “New Roots provides a perfect example of how people from other countries can come to the United States and contribute to American society through the use of their traditional skills and interests, adapted to American conditions and American life. The New Roots farm cooperative has provided a bridge from farmers’ traditional farming activities in Somalia to actively participating in the farming community here. It has provided an opportunity for refugees to settle down, become socially integrated, and make a living. It also gives them an opportunity to share their knowledge and culture with Americans.”  

The Nov. 14 event is an opportunity to learn more about New Roots Cooperative Farm, to meet the Somali Bantu farmers who own and run the farm, and to ask them questions following their presentation. The program is free and open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. at the Midcoast Friends Meetinghouse in Damariscotta at 77 Belvedere Rd. Call 207-677-3703 for more information.