John Bunker on Maine Heritage Orchard: Successes and Challenges over the First Ten Years

This is Part 1 with John Bunker, who is both an author, Founder of FEDCO Trees, an Apple Historian and a key person behind the Maine Heritage Orchard. In this recording her the full presentation from John as recorded at Maine Apple Camp in August of 2022.

John Bunker speaking at Maine Apple Camp

Bunker's 7 Point Strategy to Seek out Apples

John Bunker moved to Maine when he was 21 years old and immediately fell for the state and collecting apples.

In the late 70s - early 80s  he began to learned about Maine’s historic apple varieties. Seeking out apples requires a bit of stealth and an out going personality

1. Seek out mentors

2. Do cold calls - when seeing apples along the road

3. Introduced myself as "Hi I am John Bunker. You won’t believe this but I am an apple historian.”

4. Give talks at Garden Society and such and charge nothing. John bunker has a sliding scale from 1 mil to zero dollars for his talks.

5. Pass out Wanted Posters

6. Fairs and Events: Do a display of apples - it becomes a magnet for people to see.

7. Apple Identification for no charge and also payment

] John Bunker

In this Chat

• The history of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association (MOFGA).
• The orchards at the Common Ground Fair
• Reclaiming land such as gravel pits
• The History of the Maine Heritage Orchard
• What is needed to sustain the Maine Heritage Orchard

This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp.

• Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024.
• It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
• Go to MOFGA.org and join today!

Contact info for John Bunker

• Website: Super Chilly Farm
• eMail: [email protected]

Episode 353 will feature Part 2 with John Bunker on the Maine Heritage Orchard.

• This episode will go live on January 25, 2023
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