Penobscot Organic Farm Shuts Down Amid Legal Troubles
Penobscot, ME – Northern Bay Organics, an organic farm in Penobscot, has officially closed its operations due to legal challenges stemming from an alleged incident involving one of its co-owners, Jason Langley, at Acadia National Park. Langley faces charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct after an altercation with a park employee over payment methods during a visit in October 2023. The couple, who co-own the farm with Lena Khunt, have denied the allegations, claiming the prosecution is excessive and jeopardizing their livelihood.
Since launching in 2020, Northern Bay Organics had transitioned to a “pay-what-you-can” model, contributing significant food donations to the community—over 7,500 pounds in 2024 alone—and initiating plans to become a nonprofit. The couple announced the closure via an email newsletter, indicating that the government’s response to the charges, including armed officers serving an arrest warrant at their home, has forced them to flee their farm temporarily.
Support from the community remains strong, with volunteers like Isabella Sullivan and neighbor Karen Grover continuing to care for the crops. Sullivan, who volunteered last summer, expressed sadness over the farmers’ plights, highlighting their role in the community. Grover noted the farm’s significance and the shared values among its supporters.
Khunt maintains that their legal situation must be resolved before they can reopen Northern Bay Organics, emphasizing the trauma they’ve experienced throughout this ordeal. As the case remains in pretrial, a trial date has yet to be set, leaving the future of the farm uncertain.
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