1. Framework Webinar September 7, 2016 NOTES FOR TODAY’S WEBINAR
Test your sound before we start – say hello!
Mute if you’re not speaking.
During discussion, please keep comments to the point. 1 1

2. TODAY’S AGENDA
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Agenda Overview 9:15 Introduction to the Framework Document 9:45 Priority Area Discussion 10:15 Report on Next Steps 10:45 Closing Comments 11:00 Adjourn

3. PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Maine Food Strategy is an initiative to create a broader and more strongly connected network of organizations, businesses and individuals contributing to the food system in Maine.
The initiative is working to advance shared goals to support a robust food economy in our state.

5. Maine Food Strategy Values

6. Goal I.
Global and in-state market share of foods farmed, fished, foraged and/or processed in Maine shows measurable annual increases within the ecological bounds of the resource.
Increase the effectiveness of marketing investments by encouraging cross-sector collaboration.
Increase sales of products produced using best management practices and risk management strategies that improve the resiliency of land and water resources, improve food quality and adhere to food and workplace safety standards.
Expand opportunities for farmers and fishermen to connect with markets.

7. Goal II.
Improve the ability of businesses across the food production supply chain to manage growth and change in the marketplace
Increase numbers of employees and businesses using workforce development resources.
Improve business access to data on market demand and pricing
Increase awareness of successful business models
Improve business access to financing and incentives that support development and expansion.

8. Goal III.
Improve incomes, and access to benefits, for individuals employed in businesses along the food production supply chain.
Increase numbers of employees and businesses using workforce development resources.
Increase awareness of financial planning and saving tools

9. Goal IV.
Public policies are supportive of farms, fisheries and other food production supply chain businesses that contribute to communities, local economies, and natural resource sustainability.
Increase public awareness of food systems issues and opportunities.
Build community and consumer awareness of positive community, economic and environmental impacts created by food producers, farmers, and fishermen.

10. Goal V.
Food insecure individuals and communities in Maine have access to resources that address their needs.
Expand consumer education on nutritional food choices and options for accessing healthy foods.
Develop statewide policies, partnerships and incentives that support increased access to healthy foods for all Mainers.
Policymakers and the general public have a better understanding of the conditions that contribute to food insecurity and the unique nutritional needs of different populations.

11. Organizations can use this information to see where
The Partners Document
Organizations can use this information to see where
opportunities may exist to coordinate efforts and share resources, or to identify gaps.

12. We looked for measures that:
The Measures Document
We looked for measures that:
Illustrated a change likely to occur if progress is being made in a goal area;
Are tied to data regularly collected by a credible source such as the Ag Census or administrators of state or federal programs;
Pulled from data that is easily accessible, either via online resources or an individual contact person.

13. Network Agreement SIGN THE PLEDGE! TAKE THE PLUNGE –
Volunteer on a subcommittee.
Participate in Network Gathering & info. meetings.
Collaborate with other organizations.

14. What we heard… August Implementation Mtgs.
About a dozen people participated in the August discussions held at UMaine Orono and Good Shepherd Food Bank.
A “Seafood Mixer” for fishermen and prospective buyers was one of the ideas proposed to expand markets for fishermen.
Outreach to community organizations that may not be plugged into the food system conversation – e.g. rotaries, chambers – was suggested as a way to increase general awareness of opportunities in Maine.
Development of a Maine food policy agenda was proposed as a next step for the network.

15. What we heard… from the online survey
“Develop statewide policies, partnerships and incentives that support increased access to healthy foods for all Mainers” received the most “votes” (5) as an area of interest to this group.
Other areas that received more interest:
Building awareness of positive community, economic and enviro impacts created by producers, farmers, fishermen
Expand opportunities for farmers & fishermen to connect with markets
Increasing sales of products that use BMPs and risk management strategies for resource protection, food quality and food and workplace safety.

16. Participants in today’s meeting were also interested in:
Increasing awareness of successful business models
Increasing awareness of food systems issues / opportunities
Increasing effectiveness of mktg. investments by encouraging cross sector collaboration
Improving business access to data on market demand and pricing
Improving business access to financing and incentives that support business development and expansion.

17. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Are there ideas for specific activities that participants want to share?
Are there areas you or your organization would want to work on?
Does the group have suggestions for how the Maine Food Strategy can support Maine organizations and businesses in align existing work and resources with priorities in the Framework?
What role should the Maine Food Strategy play going forward?
Who else does the network need to connect with?

18. 2nd Annual Network Gathering and Work Session
REMINDER:
2nd Annual Network Gathering and Work Session
December 2, 2016
Wells Conference Center, UMaine Orono
Agenda currently being worked on with statewide food system groups
Discussions on cross-sector issue opportunities, practical education sessions, and regional planning information
Optional dinner afterward

19. Thank you! The Maine Food Strategy Fiscal Sponsor
Third Sector New England, Boston
Tanya Swain, project director
(207) •
Sandy Gilbreath, project coordinator
(207) •