Maine Farmland Trust and Penobscot East Resource Center will host a half-day Colloquium to explore a whole system approach to increased food production in Maine and to examine the connections between economic growth potential in the food sector, good natural resource stewardship, and the overall health of our communities.

WHY LAND & SEA?

Maine and New England food production are experiencing something of a renaissance. Our region is widely viewed as a land of opportunity for increased land and sea-based food production and harvesting over the next decade. With this view come predictions of broad and positive economic impact.

But what exactly does the healthy and sustainable expansion of the region’s food production look like? How can major change take place in a manner that strengthens local communities, improves individual well-being, and strongly supports the land and water resources upon which all production and harvesting depend?

Our goal is for this event to be a bit different from other conferences. Rather than presenting the work of various organizations, we have invited a few leading agricultural and marine academics and food system experts to present for the purpose of framing a discussion about the complexity and interconnectedness of the region’s land and sea-based food system, and how better understanding this can help to inform the region’s approach to increased food production. This is a chance for all of us to step back from our work, think more broadly, learn, and engage in conversation about these important issues together.

Registration for Land & Sea is closed, and the event is full. We look forward to seeing you at the event!