Growsmart maine will establish a collaborative platform for developing strategic goals and plans facilitating outreach to local farming communities and coordinating efforts with relevant…

Growsmart maine will establish a collaborative platform for developing strategic goals and plans facilitating outreach to local farming communities and coordinating efforts with relevant stakeholders both within and beyond the region. Growsmart maine will leverage existing resources and assets to address the collective needs and aspirations of the downeast food system with a particular focus on increasing processing capacity and expanding market access for food producers. This includes the development of valueadded opportunities to enhance the economic viability of local food businesses. A key outcome of the project will be the creation of a comprehensive downeast food system plan supported by strategically designed and fundable project proposals. The beneficiaries of this project encompass farmers ranchers processors distributors and other stakeholders involved in the regional food economy alongside distressed and foodinsecure communities particularly in washington county. This support extends to institutions and organizations that purchase and distribute food as well as restaurants grocery stores and farmers markets seeking to offer local food options to consumers. Through these focused efforts growsmart maine aims to strengthen the overall capacity and sustainability of the downeast food system.