Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation

An innovation hub for sustainable agriculture & economic development supporting Maine's food & beverage industry.

Logo of the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation (ILFSI), with the acronym in large green letters and the full name, Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation, in smaller green text below. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
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ADVANCING OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND WELLNESS

The Institute is driven by our institutional pursuit of environmental and social justice.

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ENTERPRISES

The Institute seeks to develop small and midsize food producers and manufacturers through the operation of food enterprises.

A group of people sitting around a table, dining inside a well-lit, open stone building with large wooden doors, at twilight; their meal provided by the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Agritourism

Two women in lab coats and hair coverings work with equipment and small plants on a laboratory bench at the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Hydroponic Farm

Two people are gardening outdoors under a clear blue sky, participating in the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. One is kneeling while the other bends over, with a wheelbarrow in the background. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Crop and Livestock Farm

A chef stands in a kitchen, smiling and holding a plate of colorful, assorted vegetables, showcasing the bounty sourced through the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Food Business Incubator

A person smiles while tending to small plants growing in a hydroponic setup at the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. They are indoors in a room with various equipment and posters on the walls. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Workforce Training

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OUR PARTNERS

The Institute is a collaboration of Saint Joseph's College, the federal government, regional planners, corporate partners, and individuals determined to make a difference.

Logo of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) featuring blue letters "EDA" with gold stars and a white eagle silhouette in the background. Text below reads "U.S. Economic Development Administration - In Partnership with the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
US Economic Development Administration
Logo of the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) with the text "GPCOG Greater Portland Council of Governments" in blue letters, symbolizing its collaboration with the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Greater Portland Council Of Governments
Logo of Portland Region Food Foundry featuring a gear with a fork and knife, and the tagline "Forging Value from Maine's Harvest." Proudly partnered with the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Portland Region Food Foundry
Hannaford logo featuring bread, apple, cherry, grapes, and green bell pepper, with a red banner displaying the company's name—a proud supporter of the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Hannaford Charitable Foundation
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INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY

Construction of a hydroponic greenhouse, 3,400 s.f. food community kitchen, livestock barn, municipal water supply, and renewable energy systems will begin in 2018.

A conceptual site plan map depicting the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation at Saint Joseph's College, highlighting labeled locations such as a greenhouse, food venture center, and livestock barn facility. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
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COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

The Institute offers agricultural and food industry programming designed to meet the needs of workers and lifelong learners interested in building skills and competencies, beginning in 2018.

A person in a white lab coat and blue gloves inspects plants in a controlled lab environment at the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation. Various containers and equipment are visible on the walls and counters. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

IN THE NEWS

Professor Mark Green instructs a student in the hydroponic farm

Rising to the Challenge

Elyse Caiazzo '18

A Knack for Leadership

Diagram of proposed greenhouse

Training the Next Generation of New England Food Entrepreneurs

Tyler Barrows measures seedling growth

Farm Offers Experiential Learning Opportunity

Hayley Winslow '18

Business Planning with Purpose

Student Trio Operates Freight Farm

Student Trio Operates Freight Farm

Lee Kennedy- On Finding Balance

On Finding Balance

Danny and Joe Shaw

All Roads Lead to the Farm