Frequently asked questions

What is Farm Fresh for ME? ………Farm Fresh for ME is a new initiative of the Maine Department of Agriculture, supported by Western Mountains Alliance and other organizations and businesses in Maine.

What is our Vision? ……..The ultimate Vision of Farm Fresh for ME is to increase the market for small family farms in their local communities while providing nutritious, healthy foods to local Maine families and communities at an affordable price.

What does Farm Fresh for ME do? …………We are currently supporting the development of food buying clubs and piloting a new online marketplace where farmers and consumers can meet to buy and sell local farm products. We are also providing assistance to help other buying clubs get established, build membership and connect with local farmers.

What types of projects are underway?............The Department is working on a cost share grant program to assist buying clubs and winter farmers markets with going online and accepting EBT cards. Western Mountain Alliance is currently seeking funding for an evaluation of new online market systems that support sales of local farm products and make it easier:

• For buying club coordinators to manage club ordering and bookkeeping,
• For members to shop for fresh produce and other farm products,
• To get fresh farm products at AFFORDABLE prices.
• For members to connect with, and support local farmers,
• For families to build an online community around the food they eat!

Who is Farm Fresh for ME working with?..............During the pilot phase, Farm Fresh for ME is working with consumer buying clubs and farmers in Readfield area of Maine. We also will be working with other food buying clubs as they need assistance.

Just what is a Consumer Buying Club? …………A Consumer Buying Club is a group of friends, neighbors or interested local families who pool their household food demands to allow them to purchase larger quantities of local food at wholesale or below retail prices. Buying clubs are a wonderful way to help local farmers sell more products in a more organized, collective way. In addition, because they bring together a group of buyers, buying clubs provide farmers with more income and more profits while helping local families to continue to have access to local, fresh, and nutritious food.

What happens after the pilot program is complete? ………..After the pilot phase of the program, Farm Fresh For ME will continue to promote linking local farmers with groups of local communities to help increase sales of local products and improve the health and wellbeing of Maine’s citizens.

How do I find out more?...........To join our mailing list or to express interest in starting, participating, or selling to a buying club, please email Tricia Cook at tcook@westernmountainsalliance.org.

Farm Fresh for ME is supported by:
Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources
USDA Federal State Market Improvement Program
Walmart Foundation