AUGUSTA — The 78th annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Tuesday, Jan. 15, through Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Augusta Civic Center at 76 Community Drive. Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved.
The free show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.
“Maine’s 8,200 farm operations are diverse and valuable, and an important part of Maine’s economy. They provide quality foods, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in farm receipts, not including direct sales at farms or farmers markets, or the economic impact of businesses who support farms. This event is a place to network and plan for the future of Maine agriculture,” said show organizer, Anne Trenholm, according to a news release from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
There are 110 exhibits featuring agricultural products, equipment and services. One of the state’s largest agricultural exhibitions, the annual event is expected to draw nearly 3,000 attendees over the course of three days, according to the release.
“There are nearly 120 scheduled workshops, presentations and meetings. Approximately one-third of those activities provide continuing education certifications for farmers and people who work in agriculture. Of the hundred-plus meetings, approximately 15 are annual meetings of agricultural organizations, and all of them focus on growing Maine agriculture,” said Trenholm, according to the release.
This year’s show will feature several new offerings, in addition to a wide variety of presentations covering diverse topics of interest. New 2019 program highlights include the resource room, a place for producers to meet Bureau of Agriculture staff to learn about programs and resources. There will be a live broadcast of MPBN’s Maine Calling at the show on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and the demonstration stage schedule features resources to help attendees navigate the show, and learn techniques to select, prepare and enjoy Maine ingredients all year long.
This three-day event has something for everyone, the farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator, supplier or food enthusiast. Attendees can walk through, observe and learn about how food is harvested and processed. Food and farm product enthusiasts can discover Maine food recipes at the demonstration stage, and shop for Maine farm-produced foods and goods. Farmers and producers can see the most up-to-date farm equipment and processing methods and equipment, and learn latest developments in Maine agriculture.
For a complete schedule and event news, visit maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow.
For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, visit maine.gov/dacf.
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