Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Summit

From Inspiration to Action: Seeding Solutions for a Sustainable Food System

Save The Date: October 14, 2025

ABOUT

This one-day gathering will bring together 200+ leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across the local food system—farmers, fishers, food producers, institutional buyers, educators, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations—all working to strengthen farm-to-institution connections in Maine.


The Summit is organized by the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network (MEFTI) and builds on the success of previous Farm to School Conferences, expanding our reach to include not just K-12 schools, but also healthcare, higher education, correctional facilities, and other food-serving institutions.

HISTORY

For years, the Maine Farm to School Network (MFSN) hosted the annual Maine Farm to School Conference, celebrating and strengthening farm-to-school efforts across the state.

As the movement grew, so did the vision. The Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network, building on MFSN's foundation, broadened its reach to connect local producers with institutions across Maine's food system, including healthcare, higher education, and correctional facilities. The inaugural Maine Farm to Institution Summit was held at UMaine's Hutchinson Center in 2018.

Now serving as the umbrella network for MFSN, the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network is bringing back this transformative gathering after a multi-year hiatus.

The 2025 Farm & Sea to Institution Summit will build on decades of farm to school and farm to institution work in Maine, celebrate past successes, and strengthen the movement for the future.

JOIN US!

GOALS

  • Advance Local Procurement by Maine Institutions

    Showcase innovation, best practices, and success stories to expand institutional purchasing of Maine-grown and harvested food.

  • Strengthen Networks and Collaboration

    Deepen relationships among farmers, fishers, food producers, institutions, and advocates to drive lasting connections and regional impact.

  • Equip Attendees with Actionable Strategies

    Provide practical tools, resources, and partnerships that support lasting implementation of farm and sea to institution efforts.

  • Cultivate Equity and Community Leadership

    Elevate historically underrepresented voices, address systemic barriers, and foster collective action for a more inclusive food system.

Become a Sponsor

We couldn’t do this without you! Your sponsorship will help make this event possible while also amplifying your organization's impact and brand presence among institutional food buyers, school nutrition professionals, farmers, fishers, policymakers, and food system advocates.

Email Alida Peterson at apeterson@hccame.org to learn how you can support this event.

Stay tuned for more details!