2025 MAINE FARM & SEA TO INSTITUTION SUMMIT

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

When: October 14, 2025

Where: Colby College, Waterville, ME 04901

ABOUT

Join us for a day of connection, celebration, action, and learning!

The Maine Farm & Sea to Institution (MEFTI) Summit is a gathering of folks from across the food system - farmers and food producers, food service professionals, advocates, institutional buyers, educators, administrators, and others - who are dedicated to harnessing the power of institutions to create a stronger, more resilient food system in Maine.

Whether you're looking to build new relationships, explore market opportunities, or share ideas, the Summit offers a chance to connect, collaborate, and take action.

The 2025 summit will take place on October 14, 2025, at Colby College in Waterville, ME.

It is a daylong event, and will include presentations, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, a local food show, and more!   

Request for Proposals (RFP) Now open

Visit the RFP page to learn more and submit a proposal!

2025 Summit GOALS

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

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

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

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

MEFTI SUMMIT 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.