Our Vision for Transforming Our Food System
MOFGA’s vision is a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, and sustains thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and fair economies. We will accomplish this through our mission to transform our food system by supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future.
Since its founding in 1971, MOFGA’s work has had an outsized impact on Maine’s food system. Our new five-year strategic plan outlines increased opportunities to achieve our mission by supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. Building upon 53 years of leadership, this plan reflects our commitment to address the urgent challenges facing farmers, the environment, and our communities today. By focusing on education, advocacy, connection, and organizational sustainability, MOFGA aims to drive systemic change towards a resilient, equitable, and thriving food system.
“This new impact plan continues MOFGA’s leadership in Maine and beyond to create a resilient future founded on local organic food. It’s more important than ever that we bring the community together to create the world we want to see, from the Common Ground Country Fair, to helping new farmers succeed, to our national advocacy work,” says MOFGA Executive Director Sarah Alexander.
“And, like an organic farmer, perhaps MOFGA’s greatest strength is our ability to constantly improve, which requires introspection, humility, and the desire to lean into hard questions,” adds Ellen Sabina, board president. “As we move into the new year with a new strategic impact plan in hand, we are leaning into MOFGA’s many, varied strengths, including our reputation as a trusted and trailblazing organization.”
Why Now?
In 2020, MOFGA launched a 10-year impact plan to transform our food system to be healthy and fair for all. In the first five years of the plan, MOFGA played a vital role in responding to crises impacting farmers and the food system. From the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related disasters to PFAS chemical contamination and the resulting economic strains on farmers, we’ve risen to meet each challenge and support our farmers along the way.
At the same time, threats to farm viability have grown — rising production costs, access to land and markets, and industry consolidation have made it harder for farmers to thrive. MOFGA’s programming, in turn, must evolve to meet the moment we are in. Through our new five-year strategic plan, we will double down on supporting organic farmers, and creating opportunities for connection and resilience across the food system.
A Future of Impact and Resilience
Our new strategic plan positions MOFGA to build on its strengths while adapting to a rapidly changing world. We are committed to deepening our impact by focusing on four main objectives: Education, Advocacy, Connection, and Sustainability.
EDUCATE
Spread awareness and encourage the use of organic practices that improve soil health, support biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience by increasing knowledge and making it easier to implement these practices. Over the next five years, we aim to increase: the adoption of organic practices by farmers and gardeners; the number of certified organic operations; and public understanding of organic growing practices.
ADVOCATE
Promote solutions and push for policies that center organic practices, and provide economic and climate resilience for farms. Over the next five years, we will work to ensure that people have greater access to certified organic products, while farmers and farmworkers have improved access to resources, services, and economic support to farm organically.
CONNECT
Provide opportunities for people to connect around organic food, farming, and gardening. Over the next five years, we will expand the MOFGA community including volunteers, members, farmers, and eaters across the state and beyond, while deepening ties to organic production.
SUSTAIN
Ensure MOFGA has the resources it needs to continue its work effectively in the long term. Over the next five years, we seek to secure the financial and physical resources necessary to achieve the goals outlined in this plan. At the same time, we will work together to ensure MOFGA staff have the support necessary to be successful in our work.
With this plan, MOFGA can lead the way towards a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, sustains thriving ecosystems, supports equity, and builds strong local economies. Together, we can transform our food system for generations to come.
Be part of the movement! Whether you become a member, volunteer, or stay connected through our newsletters — there’s a place for everyone at MOFGA.
