This program has already occurred.
Join your colleagues from the Environmental Funders Network, SlowMoney Maine, the Maine Community Foundation, and the Maine Philanthropy Center for a two-day tour of Downeast Maine, designed specifically for funders and investors interested in Maine's farming and fishing economy. This bus tour offers a chance to learn from and exchange ideas with colleagues in philanthropy and investing who share an interest in the Downeast natural resource-based economy.
$150 registration fee (per person) includes: transportation, meals, and overnight lodging at the newly completed Heartwood Lodge at the Cobscook Community Learning Center.
Email Jo D. Saffeir, EFN Coordinator, jsaffeir@gmail.com, with any questions.
Agenda
Wednesday, October 29
Board the bus in Portland with possible stops in Augusta and Bangor to pick up other participants
Visit Salty Dog Farm in Milbridge and learn about how this diversified vegetable farm is developing a cooperative approach to both production and marketing
Continue east and enjoy a locally sourced lunch in transit, hear about the Machias MarketPlace, an on-line farmer's market and one of 3 Washington Co. buying clubs offering local products to create a year-round link between farmer and consumer
Stop at the East Machias Aquatic Research Center for a discussion of the Downeast fisheries economy and the work of the Downeast Salmon Federation, Penobscot East Resource Center, Downeast Fisheries Partnership, Schoodic Riverkeepers, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Continue to the Cobscook Community Learning Center (CCLC) for a dinner featuring locally produced and harvested products, and a panel presentation on innovative financing mechanisms available to the Downeast farming and fishing sectors. Panel to feature: SlowMoney Maine, Maine Farmland Trust, Sunrise County Economic Council, and Maine Community Foundation.
Thursday, October 30
An early departure to Tide Mill Farm in Edmunds for a breakfast of products from the farm and a tour of Tide Mill's dairy and poultry processing operations
Continue east to Cobscook Bay Resource Center in Eastport to learn about CBRC's work to create a regional food hub with a licensed commercial kitchen and marketing co-op facility where fishermen, farmers and gardeners can process and sell local scallops and farm produce
Return to Portland with possible stops in Bangor and Augusta to drop off participants.