Maine Farmers Coalition Names Emily Smith of Smith’s Farm as 2026 Farmer of the Year
Emily Smith, President of Smith’s Farm, named 2026 Farmer of the Year
Aroostook County farmer recognized for leadership, innovation, and multi-generational stewardship during the International Year of the Woman Farmer
The Maine Farmers Coalition is proud to announce that Emily Smith, president of Smith’s Farm in Presque Isle, has been selected as the organization’s 2026 Farmer of the Year.
This recognition comes during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a global celebration honoring the essential role farmers play in sustaining communities, economies, and food systems worldwide.
Emily Smith represents the sixth generation of her family to farm in Aroostook County, continuing a legacy that dates back more than 150 years. As president of Smith’s Farm, she oversees one of the region’s most significant agricultural operations, producing broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and other crops across thousands of acres and supplying markets throughout the eastern United States.
Under Smith’s leadership, the farm has embraced a “seed-to-sale” model, ensuring quality and traceability from planting through distribution. Her work has helped position Smith’s Farm as a leading supplier of fresh produce, including broccoli and cauliflower, on the East Coast.
“Emily Smith embodies the resilience, innovation, and stewardship that define Maine agriculture,” said Julie Ann Smith, Executive Director of the Maine Farmers Coalition. “Her commitment to her land, her workers, and future generations of farmers makes her an outstanding choice for Farmer of the Year.”
In addition to her role in the agricultural industry, Smith is recognized as a community leader and advocate for rural Maine, bringing a deep sense of responsibility to both her business and her region. She works closely with a diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of sustainability, labor, and long-term viability in modern farming.
Reflecting on the honor, Smith said, “Farming has always been about more than just growing crops—it’s about caring for the land, supporting the people who make this work possible, and making sure the next generation has the opportunity to keep it going. I’m honored to represent our farm, our community, and farmers across Maine who show up every day to do that work.”
The Maine Farmers Coalition celebrates Emily Smith not only for her achievements but also for her role in carrying forward a multi-generational farming tradition while adapting to the demands of today’s agricultural landscape. As the world marks the International Year of the Farmer, the Coalition is proud to highlight leaders like Smith who demonstrate the enduring importance of agriculture in Maine and beyond.