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Building production networks for increased efficiency and impact.
On this page:
 Vision and Strategy
Given that our regional economy is characterized by many small scale enterprises, we must develop approaches that link these enterprises into more effective systems to increase production efficiencies and to expand market reach. We see opportunities for new or stronger production networks in tourism, wood product manufacturing, agriculture, and handcraft, among other asset-based sectors.
Desired Outcomes
- Diverse and thriving asset-based businesses operating as part of efficient production systems resulting in more middle class jobs
- Stronger local markets for local goods
- Increase in exportation of local goods
- Economic opportunity for Maine Woods individuals and families meets or exceeds Maine average
Each month MWC picks a project to feature that we perceive as moving the Maine Woods towards the desired outcomes outlined above. If
you would like to submit your project for consideration, email
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Western Maine Market Launches Website
By Tricia Cook, Western Mountains Alliance
 The Western Maine Market (WMM) is an online farmers market coordinated by Western Mountains Alliance (WMA). In a world that is full of busy schedules and online-shopping, Western Mountains Alliance looked for and found a compliment to the traditional seasonal farmers market, something convenient for buyers and efficient for local farmers.
Tanya Swain, WMA executive director, explains that WMA has been marketing local foods through its Eat Smart Eat Local program for the past four years. “We’ve heard from both farmers and consumers that people want local foods. For many but the most committed of these individuals, where to buy, how to buy and the face of local foods is still an elusive concept. We believe direct marketing through the Internet provides a new opportunity for small farms to reach consumers and for consumers to get the information they want on what’s available, who’s selling it, and how to get it.”
There are 23 farmers listed on the Western Maine Market website offering a diverse range of local food and products. When you visit www.westernmainemarket.com , you will see a list of categories which house the various items for sale. You may also click on the “Meet the Food Maker” link which gives individual farm stories as well as listing all items available from each farm.
Western Maine Market is “open” or “live” for buying from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon; customers sign onto the site, set up a pay-pal account and order local foods and products too numerous to list here. Delivery and pick-up day is every Tuesday at the Sandy River Farmers Market on Front St. in Farmington. Pick-up time is between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, which was chosen to give folks enough time to swing by after work, saving time and fuel.
 The Western Maine Market is currently operating in the Farmington area, but it can serve as a hub for other areas that are interested in bringing an online farmers market to their communities. Please contact Tricia Cook at the Western Mountains Alliance at
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or (207) 778-3885 for more information. Western Mountains Alliance hopes that this type of market will become a reality for all of Maine, helping to increase market capacity, convenience, and sustainability. Click here to view WCSH 6's coverage of the market.
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