Value-Added Specialty Cheese Processing Feasibility Study for Maine: IdentifyingOpportunities and Constraints

摘要

Kennebec County has had, and continues to have, the largest dairy-farm industryin Maine, but this sector has received little attention from the economic development community. This project was designed to examine development opportunities in the dairy sector. The report describes how specialty cheese and other niche-market dairy products could be feasible in Maine and could help make small dairy farms sustainable. However, successful development of these products and markets will need support and cooperation from the state government, the state university, the economic development community, the regulatory community, and the financial community. The report provides practical information concerning cheese market, production and cost factors, and organizational models for farmers and entreprenueurs interested in cheese production.