In last week’s Bits and Bobs from the Internet, I posted a piece from the Modern Farmer about how Maine leads the nation with its numbers of new farms and young farmers. “Farms are being started at a rate nearly four times faster than the national average, the average age of its farmers is below the national — and rapidly greying — average (and keep in mind Maine is the most geriatric state in the Union), and it boasts one of the highest organic-to-conventional-farm ratios in the United States.”

So how did we do it? Is it because of our state’s vaunted work ethic, where work with the hands is still very much valued? Is it because of the rural nature of our state, where agriculture has played and continues to play a relatively major role in our economy? (Although, unfortunately, not as major as either the big box stores or tourism, both of which do not provide a living wage for most of its workers.) No doubt both of these factors have something to do with it. Successful farms need people who are willing to work hard and land for them to grow their crops.

But they also need something else—larger societal support. The same piece in the Modern Farmer goes on to list the various ways Maine supports its farmers, with organizations such as Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and Maine Farmland Trust. Apparently, even our politicians, Republicans as well as Democrats, support farmers. And finally, Maine people themselves are keen on local agriculture, and Farmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are thriving.

The larger point is that although hard work and drive are necessary for farmers to be successful, those qualities might not be sufficient without a broader network of support. The Good Shepherd Food Bank’s motto is “We are better together,” and this is true for almost every human endeavor, from art to literature to farming. When the larger culture supports, say, theater or literature or the visual arts or, yes, farming, then those things flourish. Without that support, certain strong-willed individuals might be able to make a go of it, but they will be the exceptions rather than the norm.

A few random examples: Copenhagen, Denmark, has a vibrant bike culture that the state actively supports with miles and miles of dedicated bike lanes; In Elizabethan England theater flourished because it was supported at the highest levels. As soon as the Puritans took control, theater shrivelled; In Renaissance Italy, it was the visual arts, and again, there was support at the highest level.

In this country, while we place a high value on individual initiative, we tend to underestimate the importance of the larger, societal support. In fact, both are needed, and we—as a state, as a country—should always keep this in mind.

Our own Farmer Kev, who delivered vegetables yesterday, is as hardworking as a person can be. His parents support him and help him. Many in Winthrop support him by being a part of his CSA. I hope Maine will support him by providing help—both financial and practical—so that someday he can get his own farm.