USDA Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) Grant
We’re grateful for the opportunity to implement and administer a Local Food Promotion Program here in Washington County, with support from the USDA.
Our program promotes food and food producers in Washington County through our Farm Store, using our cooperative commercial kitchen, and by supporting local food producers with marketing and business development.
Take Our Survey!
Calling all Washington County growers, farmers, and food producers!
We have created a survey to solicit ideas and suggestions of what local growers and food producers are interested in, as far as promotion and support.
If you are a Washington County grower, farmer, or food producer, and you have not filled out this survey yet, we’d love you to take five minutes with a freshly caffeinated brain to share your ideas.
Note: There is no cost to participate in the program. Participation is opt-in, meaning we will not include you without your consent. You can indicate your participation preferences in the survey.
The Minke Commercial Kitchen
We have created a shared-use facility at The Minke Commercial Kitchen, located at 13 Little Falls Road in Pembroke.
We were happy to meet a number of local people during an open house. If you couldn’t make it, we’d love for you to reach out and schedule and appointment. Come by to check out what we’ve been up to! Your input and ideas are really important to us as we keep improving the space.
We are keen to collaborate!
Learn more about what’s available at The Minke on our Facilities page.
Please fill out the survey above, and be in touch anytime with your creative inspirations and ideas.
Smithereen Farm Store
Right next door to The Minke is the Smithereen Farm Store. This is where we stock our produce and value-added products, as well as products from local Maine producers. Thanks to the USDA grant, we’re able to expand our offerings and hours. Find the latest hours and product list here, on our Visit page.
Map
The first very practical product of this grant is the creation of a printed and digital map of farm stands and local food producers and venues of Washington County. We are building this list and sharing it with Edible Maine, Downeast Magazine, Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism, St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sunrise County Economic Council, and others.
This map will be a modest little paper brochure—not too fancy!
Small Business Coaching
We have three small business advisors signed up to help those who are interested in some business coaching for your small business.
Intrigued? Reach out for more information, this service is FREE!
We’re excited and honored to administer this program, and we invite all local farmers, growers, and food producers to be in touch to help us shape the vision. Get a hold of us via email at offic[email protected], or call us on the landline, (207) 726-4442