Agriculture

Supply chain delays from the pandemic, labor shortages and the rising minimum wage have affected businesses all over Maine. People across the state have also dealt with rising electricity costs, particularly in the last couple of years.

The fact that potatoes are more than three-quarters water may have offset some challenges for Aroostook farmers during this year’s wet and unpredictable growing season.

Aroostook Hops in Westfield and the Maine Malt House in Mapleton both started small, but have expanded their reach far beyond County borders. They now provide Aroostook-grown products to breweries from Fort Kent to Boothbay Harbor and elsewhere in New England.