Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Tours 2026Join us for a series of Farm to Institution Tours in 2026
Join Maine's Farm and Sea to Institution Network for a series of tours connecting local food businesses, institutional buyers, and community members across our food system. Everyone is welcome!
Are you looking to source more local food for your school? Hoping to connect with Maine farmers and food producers? Curious about how our local food system works and who's making it happen? Or just interested to connect with like-minded local food system advocates?
Join us! See tour and registration details below.
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Date: Friday May 8, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:15pm
Location: Multiple Locations
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour to learn how Maine-grown grains are making it into schools and institutions across Maine. We'll begin at The Good Crust, where doughs and bread products including frozen dough balls, pre-sheeted rounds, and half-sheets are made using 100% Maine Grains. The Good Crust is served at over 100 colleges, K-12 schools, and universities throughout New England and qualifies for Maine's Local Food Fund. From there, we will visit Maine Grains for a tour of the Gristmill where we will explore the milling process of Maine-grown grains to learn how stone milled flour is made and dig into Maine's local grain economy.
Email Sarah with any questions: s.sims@hccame.org
📍Tour Schedule
10:00–11:00 AM – Tour of The Good Crust - 210 Main Street, Canaan, ME
11:00–11:15 AM – Travel to next location (drive separately)
11:30AM–12:15 PM –Tour ofMaine Grains Mill - 42 Court St, Skowhegan, ME
Optional Group Lunch (~12:15 PM) – The Miller’s Table - 10 Water St, Skowhegan
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Date: Thursday June 25, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Falmouth Public Schools, 61 Woodville Rd, Falmouth, ME, United States, Maine 04105
Join Falmouth Public Schools Farm to School Program Manager Justin Deri for a tour of their farm-to-school program. Explore the school gardens, hoop house, and learning center serving Pre-K–12 students.
Falmouth connects students with hands-on agriculture, supports local food sourcing, and builds strong community ties. Learn about garden design and funding opportunities, and leave with ideas to strengthen your own school garden program.
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Date: Friday July 17, 2026
Time: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Location: The Ecology School, 184 Simpson Rd, Saco, ME 04072
Part of the 2026 Maine Farm and Sea to School Conference
Tour the Ecology School’s River Bend Farm as part of Maine’s Farm and Sea to School Conference.
The Ecology School’s working farm transforms how people think about science, food, the environment, and themselves through joyful, hands-on learning for all ages.
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and knowledge sharing. During the full day conference, spend time on 313 acres along the Saco River to see how the working farm connects students to food systems education, leverages community partnerships, and agricultural education.
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Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026
Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Penobscot, ME
Nicolas Lindholm and Ruth Fiske operate Blue Hill Berry Co., a 50-acre certified organic wild blueberry farm in Penobscot. For 28 years, they’ve grown and processed 25,000–30,000 lbs. of blueberries annually, supplying both local markets and wholesale buyers. Explore their AIIP-funded facility and learn about sourcing for schools and other institutions. You'll have a chance to sample and buy local blueberries!
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More Details coming soon
What to Expect
Go behind the scenes at working farms, food businesses, kitchens, processing facilities, and school gardens
Discover how schools and institutions are growing and serving Maine-grown food
Gain insight into local sourcing from field to institution
Build relationships that strengthen our food system
Who Should Attend
Institutional buyers (schools, hospitals, corrections, colleges, etc.)
Food service professionals
Local food advocates & network members
Anyone interested in food & agriculture and building strong local food systems