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 innovations, proven practices, and success stories that advance Farm to School efforts and institutional procurement of locally and regionally produced food.

  • Strengthen Networks and Collaboration

    Build stronger working relationships among farmers, fishers, food producers, institutions, and advocates to support long-term coordination across the state and region.

  • Equip Attendees with Actionable Strategies

    Create a space for participants to share knowledge, access practical tools and resources, and build partnerships that advance sustainable Farm & Sea to Institution efforts.

  • Cultivate Equity and Community Leadership

    Strengthen community leadership, elevate underrepresented voices, and foster shared learning and dialogue to build a food system that works for everyone.

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 a.peterson@hccame.org to learn how you can support this event.

Stay tuned for more details!