The Maine Cheese Guild has the people, knowledge, and resources to make running an artisan cheesemaking business less lonely — and a lot more possible.
To join the Maine Cheese Guild as a professional cheesemaking member, you must:
Provides:
If you’re an unlicensed cheesemaker and want to be part of what we’re building, get started as a Industry Professional. Once you’re licensed, you can join the Guild with a full cheesemaker membership.
Knowledge is power. Learn from others who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of artisan cheesemaking. Maine Cheese Guild’s networking events, member gatherings, and collaborative opportunities help members build relationships with fellow cheesemakers and dairy producers across the state.
Tap into a trusted network of industry professionals who are happy to share practical advice, troubleshoot assistance, and explore real-world solutions. From production questions to business challenges, you won’t be navigating the industry alone.
Access workshops, training sessions, webinars, and hands-on learning opportunities designed specifically for cheesemakers and dairy producers. Topics include food safety, aging and affiance, regulatory compliance, business development, marketing, and more.
The Guild serves as a conduit for important industry developments, trends, research, and opportunities. Stay informed through updates and resources shared by state, regional, and national dairy and cheesemaking organizations.
Take advantage of discounts and member-only benefits offered through Guild-endorsed partners and industry suppliers.
Our professional management team is available to help answer questions and connect members with the right resources. Whether you're navigating licensing requirements, taxation questions, food safety regulations, or state agency processes, we can help identify the appropriate contacts and serve as a liaison.
The Guild actively monitors state and federal policy issues that impact cheesemakers, dairy producers, and the broader food and agriculture sector. Members have opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts that help shape the future of Maine's cheese industry.
Whether you're a cheese lover, a local business, or an organization that believes in Maine's food community — there's a place for you in the guild.
There are a three ways to show up for Maine cheese — each one meaningful in its own right. Look below and find the one that fits you best.
For individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe in Maine cheese and want to be part of what we’re building. Help promote the Guild and Maine cheesemaking — we can’t do it without you.
A minimum $150 contribution (annually)
Provides:
The Maine Cheese Guild connects you to the people, knowledge, and resources that make running an artisan cheesemaking business possible.
Get in front of a passionate, food-curious audience before the general public even knows what's happening.
Bring a colleague, a client, or someone who deserves a great day — on us.
Create memorable experiences for your customers and community by partnering directly with the makers behind Maine's best cheese.
For individual unlicensed cheesemakers, trade professionals, retailers, distributors, chefs, writers, tourism workers, and educators who want to stay connected to Maine's cheesemaking community. Join as an Industry Member and help shape the craft.
$50 contribution (annually)
Get access to a statewide network, opportunities to connect, and event invites.
Join discounted industry webinars and educational workshop
Receive our industry monthly newsletter filled with resources, events, grant opportunities, and Guild initiatives.
We’re happy to provide preferential references for inquiries and networking connections.
Take advantage of discounts and member-only benefits offered through Guild-endorsed partners and industry suppliers.
We welcome the curious, the passionate, and the unapologetically obsessed. We’re all enthusiasts and lovers of cheese, after all. Join to stay up to date on Maine cheese, hear about new products, events, and opportunities, and to learn about home cheesemaking techniques, cooking with cheese, and more. It’s the perfect next step on your cheese journey, and helps promote Maine cheese as a local commodity.
A minimum contribution of $25 (annually)
Be the first to know when new creameries join the Guild, new products hit the market, and events are announced.
Guild members hear news first — before it hits social media or the general public.
From cheesemaking intensives to tasting seminars, members save on every learning opportunity the guild offers.
Home cheesemaking techniques, cooking with cheese, pairing guides — get knowledge straight from the people who do this for a living.
Your membership directly supports the guild's work: Advocacy, education, and putting Maine cheese on the map.
