Help Shape the Future of Downeast Maine’s Food System

GrowSmart Maine, Healthy Acadia, and the Sunrise County Economic Council are excited to invite community members, farmers, food producers, businesses, and partners to a Downeast Food Systems Workshop on April 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Woodlawn Barn, 21 Black House Drive, Ellsworth, Maine.

This interactive workshop is part of the ongoing work of the Downeast Food System Partnership (https://www.downeastfoodpartners.org/), a regional collaboration working to strengthen our local food economy, improve access to healthy food, and support a more connected and resilient food system across Washington and Hancock counties.

The Partnership, led by GrowSmart Maine, Healthy Acadia, and the Sunrise County Economic Council, brings together farmers, distributors, institutions, and community organizations to identify shared priorities and turn them into real, actionable projects.

Food systems are at the heart of healthy communities. In Downeast Maine, we know that when local farms, fisheries, and food businesses succeed, our communities benefit - from stronger local economies to better access to fresh, healthy food.

At the same time, our region faces real challenges. Fewer farmers and limited processing and distribution systems can make it harder to keep local food flowing from producers to plates.

This workshop is an opportunity to come together, share ideas, and help shape solutions.

During the April 14 workshop, participants will:

  • Review and discuss a draft food system feasibility study

  • Explore opportunities to strengthen local food production, processing, and distribution

  • Help identify priorities for future projects and investments

  • Connect with others working across the Downeast food system

To view the workshop agenda, visit https://www.downeastfoodpartners.org/s/DRAFT-Agenda.pdf
Review the draft feasibility study: [Insert Study Link]

Be Part of the Conversation

Your voice matters. This workshop is designed to reflect the needs and ideas of the people who live and work here. Whether you’re directly involved in the food system or simply care about access to healthy, local food, your perspective is important.

To help make participation accessible, stipends are available for eligible attendees.

We encourage participation from:

  • Farmers and food producers

  • Food business owners and workers

  • Community organizations

  • Individuals with lived experience of food insecurity

If cost or time away from work is a barrier, we hope this support helps make it possible to join.

Click here to register

About the Downeast Food System Partnership

The Downeast Food System Partnership is a regional effort to:

  • Build a stronger, more connected food system

  • Support local farms and food businesses

  • Improve access to healthy, local food

  • Attract investment and resources to the region

By bringing people together across sectors, the Partnership helps turn shared ideas into real, lasting change.

We hope you’ll join us on April 14 and be part of this important work.

The Partnership is managed by GrowSmart Maine in collaboration with Healthy Acadia and Sunrise County Economic Council. It is made possible with funds from USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, American Farmland Trust, Quimby Family Foundation, and Davis Conservation Foundation.

POSTTracey Carlsonlocal food systems, Downeast Food Systems Partnership, local food, Mainers feeding Mainers, food security, food fo all, farm to table, food access, Food, HFFA, community