About

About

Green Thumb Farms has been farming in Western Maine since 1965. Working on over 2200 acres of rich Saco River Valley soil has firmly established our reputation for quality potatoes, dry beans and corn. Our third-generation family farm strives to preserve Maine’s open spaces and agricultural heritage.

Our agricultural roots lie in the production of the highest quality Maine potatoes. We grow and market several varieties of potatoes for supermarkets, foodservice distributors, and processors.  We are Primus compliant in all aspects of food safety when growing and packaging our products. Currently, our packaging facility utilizes several quality control devices including Odenberg optical sorting equipment, a Hagan Slide Ejection Sizer, a Wyma Vege-Polisher washing system, hollow heart detection, and stainless steel equipment. Our state-of-the-art technology enables us to ensure quality potatoes in every bag. Not only do we pride ourselves on the excellence of our product, but also on our ability to trace each potato directly back to the field where it was grown.

When Green Thumb Farms purchased Riverside Farm, it allowed us to diversify into the dry bean business that previous owners Harold and Clara Thurston had established. Currently, we grow New England heirloom bean varieties such as Yellow Eye, Soldier, and Red Kidney. Typically these varieties are used in baked beans, but they also work well in soups, stews, and salads.

Historically, the Fryeburg area has been fertile ground for growing corn. Green Thumb Farms grows corn purposed for livestock.  The same type of corn has become popular as a clean, renewable heating source much like wood pellets. For more information on corn as a home heating source, click here.

In 2005, Maine Distilleries (developed in partnership by Green Thumb’s President, Don Thibodeau and his brother Lee) proudly launched a new venture, Cold River Vodka, made from Green Thumb Farms’ potatoes. The vodka has received several awards and earned the attention of aficionados of fine spirits. In addition to its classic vodka, Maine Distilleries recently launched their Blueberry Flavored Cold River Vodka made from wild Maine blueberries and our potatoes as well as Cold River Gin. We believe that Cold River Vodka represents the only family-owned “ground-to-glass” vodka operation in the world.

Throughout the years Green Thumb Farms has seen many changes and experienced growth beyond our dreams. Although the farm is family-owned, we owe our success to the hard work and dedication of our loyal employees. Farming is a crucial part of the Fryeburg area economy, and we take deep pride in doing our part to sustain this great small community and the legacy of Maine agriculture.