AUGUSTA, Maine - The 74th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Tuesday, January 13, through Thursday, January 15, 2015, at the Augusta Civic Center. Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, the show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved through demonstrations, presentations and meetings of over 40 major agricultural organizations. There will be over 111 exhibits featuring the newest in agricultural products, equipment and services. One of the state's largest agricultural exhibitions, the event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people over the course of three days. Admission
is free and open to the public.
Governor Paul R. LePage will be on hand Tuesday for the Trades Show opening day, to highlight the importance of agriculture to the economy and how Maine supports job creators. The Governor will also join Commissioner Walt Whitcomb in publicly recognizing this year's recipient of the Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award. "Maine has the most farms and the greatest diversity of food production in New England," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "The potential to produce and sell Maine products is even greater when you consider Maine's reputation for quality and the growing interest in locally grown foods. The Trades Show is also an opportunity to talk about how Maine's largest natural resource agency supports the farmers and producers who create jobs and economic opportunity in Maine."
**More than $450,000 in Agricultural Development Grants to be Announced**
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb has announced that the Department will unveil the preliminary awards under the Agricultural Development Grant Program. The Department will discuss the $450,000 in cost share grants in support of innovative projects relating to market promotion, market research and development, value-added processing and new technology demonstration.
"The Department is very excited about this new financial award program. The formalized selection process chose the highest scoring recipients from a very competitive pool of proposals," said Whitcomb. "Projects that will be announced touch on some the Department's current priority areas including market development for processing of animals/livestock throughout Maine; utilization and profitability of Maine grown grains; market enhancements for nutrition and food safety; and growth in alternative markets and diversification."
**Something for Everyone**
This year's show features several new offerings for attendees, in addition to a wide variety of presentations covering topics such as farm energy options, small woodlot issues, nutrient management, and how to become a licensed cheese maker.
New additions include: Cooking with Maine Agriculture, featuring local Maine food and Chefs; EAS Master Beekeeper, Carol Cottrill will demonstrate how to set up a beehive; and the Maine Maple Producers will demonstrate how to make value added products using maple syrup and the different types of grades of syrup. There will also be a presentation from the Department on how to start a small home-based business and get your home kitchen licensed.
The show also provides opportunities for growers, conventional and organic, to learn the latest developments in pest management and earn credits required for pesticide license recertification. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control will also be on hand to discuss basic safety training.
Whether a visitor is a farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator, or supplier, this three-day event has something for everyone. Attendees can walk through, observe, and learn about how food is harvested and processed. Farmers and producers can see the most up-to date-farm equipment and processing methods and equipment.
**Show hours will be:**
- Tuesday, January 13, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Wednesday, January 14, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM - Thursday, January 15, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
The complete program and schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/
For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf
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