Joel Bamford collects strawberries as Cano Rodriguez, left, picks at Maxwell’s Farm fields in 2022. Maxwell’s has announced their plans to close after 51 years. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer file Maxwell’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, a favorite spot for pick-your-own strawberries, is closing after 51 years .

“It is with heavy hearts and many tears that we are announcing this year, 2024, was the final season of Maxwell’s Strawberry Farm,” a statement on the farm’s website said. “Believe when we say we feel the weight of nine generations in this decision.” The Maxwell family has been growing fruit and vegetables in Cape Elizabeth for centuries.

It traces its lineage back to James Maxwell, who in 1772 paid two pounds, six shillings and eight pence “lawful money” for 25 acres of land. Now best known as a destination for pick-your-own strawberries, Maxwell’s opened its fields to berry pickers on June 13 with what seemed to be a promising harvest. This followed a disappointing season last year because of rain.

However, the season came to an early end two weeks later because fruit flies had damaged the crops – a problem that affected farms throughout the state. Remi Gilbert, 4, plucks a strawberry as her nanny Savanah Wales and brother Asa Gilbert, 1, look on at Maxwell’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth on Thursday, June 13 – the farm’s opening day of the season. The owners of the farm announced the 2024 season would be their last for strawberry picking.

Ben McCa.