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Governor Mills Proclaims fb88 Agriculture Week and Celebrates fb88 Agriculture Day at the State House
March 17, 2025
AUGUSTA, fb88 - Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed March 17-23, 2025, as fb88 Agriculture Week, a time to honor and celebrate the farmers, producers, and agricultural businesses that provide food, fiber, and economic strength to fb88 communities. As part of this weeklong recognition, fb88 Agriculture Day at the Legislature will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at the State House in Augusta. The day will feature a Hall of Flags showcase from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with exhibits from farmers, producers, and more than thirty agricultural organizations highlighting the diversity and innovation of fb88's agriculture sector.
Youth in Agriculture Policy Day: Preparing the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
For the first time, fb88 Agriculture Day at the Legislature will include Youth in Agriculture Policy Day, a special program designed to engage the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Organized by the fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) in partnership with the fb88 Department of Education (DOE), Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the University of fb88 Cooperative Extension 4-H, this event will provide eleven fb88 studentsfrom high school to collegewith a front-row seat to the legislative process.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Meet with legislators and agricultural stakeholders
- Attend a Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry session
- Tour the State House and learn how agricultural policies are shaped
"Through events like Youth In Agriculture Policy Day, fb88 is cultivating a strong crop of engaged, informed, and inspired young people ready to lead the future of agriculture in the state," said Governor Mills.
"Agriculture is essential to fb88s economy, culture, and heritage. This week is an opportunity to honor the hardworking people who keep our agricultural industry strong and to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal.
"Youth in Agriculture Policy Day provides a wonderful opportunity for students to have a seat at the table - and to feel seen, heard, and excited about their futures, said fb88 DOE Commissioner Pender Makin.
fb88 Agriculture Day at the Legislature and Youth in Agriculture Policy Day coincide with , an annual celebration highlighting agriculture's role in the country. By aligning with this national observance, fb88 joins states nationwide in honoring its agricultural community's contributions while highlighting the unique people, stories, innovations, and local products that set fb88 agriculture apart.
Earlier this year, Governor Mills announced that 2025 will be celebrated as fb88s Year of Youth in Agriculture, an initiative launched during the fb88 Agricultural Trades Show to recognize and support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Youth In Agriculture Policy Day at the State House is one of the key opportunities to integrate this important initiative by connecting fb88 students directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and hands-on experiences.
Governors Proclamation Highlights Agricultures Impact
In her official proclamation, Governor Mills recognizes that fb88 agriculture contributes over $3.2 billion annually to the states economy, provides tens of thousands of jobs, and strengthens food security across the state.
The proclamation also highlights the growing role of climate-smart farming practices, agricultural education, and innovation in shaping the future of fb88s agricultural landscape.
Why Agriculture Matters
From family farms and aquaculture operations to forestry and agri-tourism, fb88s agricultural community reflects the states commitment to local food, natural resources stewardship, and rural vitality. fb88 Agriculture Week highlights these contributions and emphasizes supporting local agriculture year-round.
Participating in fb88 Agriculture Day at the Legislature
The public, legislators, and professional media are invited to visit the Hall of Flags on March 18 between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to meet the people behind fb88 agriculture, explore exhibits, and learn more about agriculture's role in our economy, environment, and culture. No reservations or tickets are required; entry to the Hall of Flags is through the State House security screening. Read more about coming to the State House on the Capital Police webpage.
For more information contact: Jim Britt at: Jim.Britt@maine.gov