CEI Stories

Serving & supporting small business owners just like you.

Back

November 12, 2018

Maine Grain Tastemakers Tour

On a hot September day in Bangor, a few dozen investors, educators, business leaders and farmers, hosted by CEI, FocusMaine, and O’Maine Studios, boarded a charter bus for a tour around the state designed to bring attention to Maine’s grain industry. Participants traveled 481 miles over the course of two days to better understand the economic connections and opportunities rural Maine has to offer – from farms to mills, malthouses, breweries, bakeries and food businesses.

Maine Malt House | Mapleton

The Maine Crisp Co.| Waterville
“It’s our responsibility to work with farmers and keep it local. We need to embrace and support entrepreneurs.”
-Steve Getz, co-owner

Aurora Mills & Farm | Linneus

University of Maine at Presque Isle, Sustainable Agriculture concentration

Maine Grains | Skowhegan
“Our attitude shifted from, ‘Can we grow grains?’ to ‘How do we reinvigorate this industry?'”
-Amber Lambke, owner
Read the full story.

Bigelow Brewing | Skowhegan
“I really believe that when you buy local, you’re helping your whole community.”
-Pam Powers, co-owner

Blue Ox Malthouse | Lisbon Falls
“Maine has the potential to supply the entire east coast with locally produced grain.”
-Joel Alex, owner
Read the full story.

Aroostook Hops | Westfield

Watch the video recap here!

Connect
image of Cairnspring Mills

Cairnspring Mills

"Quick Facts Owner: Umatilla Indian Reservation Business: Cairnspring Mills produces premium, stone-milled flour grown by Pacific Northwest farmers that supports local food systems while…"

image of Old Crow Ranch

Old Crow Ranch

"Quick Facts Owners: Seren and Steve Sinisi Business: Old Crow Ranch is a family-owned, pasture-based livestock farm specializing in grass-fed beef, and pastured pork…"

image of Maple Wind Farm

Maple Wind Farm

"Quick Facts Owner: Bruce Hennessey Business: Maple Wind Farm is dedicated to raising grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs through regenerative farming…"