Food systems are highly interlinked, also with the broader economic development of rural communities. As there are fewer farmers, there become fewer processors, fewer value-add companies, and supply chains and distribution systems become less sustainable, which again makes it harder for the remaining farmers. This negative spiral also has an impact on communities in terms of lost tax revenue, reduced access to fresh and healthy food, employment opportunities and, not least, cultural identity. 

Purpose

The Partnership provides a platform for developing joint goals and plans, conducting outreach to farming communities, coordinating with relevant actors within and outside the region, and accessing additional resources for implementation of projects that promote an inclusive, innovative and more integrated food system in the Downeast region.

The Partnership brings together a broad range of Downeast Food System stakeholders: Farmers, processors, distributors, and value-add producers; Local communities; Institutions that purchase food and organizations that serve vulnerable and food insecure populations; Restaurants, grocery stores, farmers’ markets and other sales points that have an interest in offering local food.

Strategy

1. Mobilize and convene the current and potential stakeholders in the Downeast Food System;

2. Identify existing resources and assets, as well as shared needs and aspirations of the stakeholders;

3. Identify joint actions for growing an expanded, innovative and more integrated regional food system;

4. Inform the development of a plan for the sustainable growth of the regional food system;

5. Develop partnerships with policy makers, technical assistance providers, financing and grant makers that can support the implementation of the joint actions identified.