Maine Agricultural Trades Show in-person for first time in 2 years
AUGUSTA — The Maine Agricultural Trades Show kicked off its first in-person gathering in two years at the Augusta Civic Center.
The event brings together farmers and dozens of businesses from across the state to network and collaborate on how to produce better agricultural products for Maine.
However, for many at the event, including University of Maine Cooperative Extension Representative Tara Marble, the three-day expo is also a chance to spread awareness about Maine’s dwindling population of farmers.
“The population of Maine’s average farmer is actually getting older, which means there are less people coming into the industry,” said Marble. “No one is — sort of — going into the field.”
Despite steady business for remaining farms, some say that the declining farming population has already begun to have an effect.
Sarah Littlefield, the executive director for the Maine Dairy Promotion Board, spoke about the current state Maine’s dairy industry.
“Dairy consumption across the country is the highest it has ever been,” said Littlefield. “But there are less dairy farms producing the same amount of milk for all of the number of Mainers that we have.”
Others, including Board Member for the Maine Grain Alliance Richard Roberts, are hoping to recruit young farmers to help to solve this issue.
“We’re looking for growers… one of the goals of the Maine Grain Alliance is to provide them with seed so that they can — to help them make a living,” said Roberts.
In addition to opportunities for farmers on the show floor, the event will offer presentations on current agricultural trends and research, and even provide certification courses for those interested.
The trades show will run from January 10 to 12, and there is no cost to attend.
To learn more about the event, visit maine.gov/dacf.
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