21 Mar 2023

Governor proclaims March 19-25 Maine Agriculture Week

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Annual Agriculture Day at the Legislature helps to celebrate one of Maine’s “heritage industries”

Agriculture, and its contributions and benefits, is being celebrated this week in Maine and throughout the United States.

Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 19 through March 25 as “Maine Agriculture Week.” Her proclamation highlights how agriculture “fuels the state’s economy,” and how the state’s agricultural community has worked to ensure its products are available year-round, along with continuing to sustain “one of Maine’s key heritage industries.” The Governor’s proclamation also calls attention to the state’s goals of increasing the amount of food produced, processed, and consumed in Maine, decreasing reliance on food imports, and ending hunger by 2030.

We all must continue to support our agricultural producers to ensure Maine’s working landscapes thrive, agriculture remains a foundation of our state, and Maine-grown farm products are accessible and available for generations to come.

Proclamation from Gov. Janet Mills

As part of National Ag Day, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry continued the tradition of Agriculture Day at the Legislature on Tuesday. Organizations from throughout the state’s agricultural landscape were hand in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House to offer information and engage legislators, staff, and members of the public.

One of Maine’s agricultural sectors is having its busy season – the maple syrup industry. Earlier this month, Gov. Mills tapped the Blaine House maple tree along with Maine Maple Producers Association President Lyle Merrifield ahead of the 40th annual Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend, which will features dozens of Maine maple producers opening their sugar house doors for visitors. Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend is a free family event with each producer setting their own hours and activities, including sap boiling demonstrations, tours, live music, horse-drawn hayrides, maple products for sale, and maple product samples. The full list of participating Maine Maple Producers can be viewed on mainemapleproducers.com.

March 21 marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, which is organized to recognize the role agriculture plays in our daily lives. National Ag Day falls during National Ag Week each year. The theme of National Ag Day this year is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”

Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agri-tourism promotions program. From seedlings to maple syrup to farm cafes, plan your spring Real Maine agricultural experience. Visit www.RealMaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.