For Immediate Release
January 10, 2017
Contact: John Bott, (207) 287-3156
Lyle and Jo-Ann
Merrifield honored at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show
Governor LePage
joins Commissioner Whitcomb to recognize their contributions to Maine
agriculture
 Pictured (L to R): Molly Merrifield, Jo-Ann Merrifield, Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, Lyle Merrifield, Lexi Merrifield and Governor Paul R. LePage.
AUGUSTA— Lyle and Jo-Ann Merrifield of
Gorham received the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award today at the 76th
Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show Commissioner’s Luncheon. Governor Paul R.
LePage joined Commissioner Walt Whitcomb to present them with the award in
recognition of their many contributions to Maine agriculture, particularly the maple
syrup industry. The annual award has been given since 2001.
“Maine agriculture is growing to meet the demand
for quality, nutritious, Maine-produced products,” said Governor Paul R.
LePage. “One example
of the rapid growth in Maine agriculture is the maple syrup industry. Since
2010, Maine maple syrup production has more than doubled (114% increase) and
the number of taps has increased 26.5%. Lyle and Jo-Ann Merrifield are leaders
in this part of the Maine economy, helping advance the value and visibility of
the entire maple industry. Their work, along with the Maine Maple Producers
Association, is creating more jobs and opportunity for Maine people.”
“Today
the agricultural community thanks Lyle and Jo-Ann Merrifield for their many
contributions to the Maine maple industry and Maine agriculture,” said DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “They
are an outstanding team, who lead by setting an example for the hundreds of
enthusiasts who produce and sell maple syrup products. Their Maine Maple Sunday
exhibit promotes education and creates a destination experience.”
Lyle and Jo-Ann Merrifield:
Lyle and Jo-Ann Merrifield own
and operate Merrifield Farm and Sugar Shack in Gorham, Maine. Lyle has been President of the Maine Maple Producers Association
President for the past eight years. Both Jo-Ann and Lyle were past Presidents
of the Southern Maine Maple Producers Association. The whole Merrifield
family is part of the Cumberland County Farmers Club. Lyle Merrifield is the
superintendent of the museum, blacksmith shop, and show steers at the
Cumberland Fair.
The Merrifields and the Maine Maple Producers Association have
actively promoting Maine Maple Sunday and MapleMania. Most recently, Lyle and
Jo-Ann have been in the
Maine Maple Producers booth at the Eastern State Exposition ‘Big E’ in
Massachusetts, New England’s largest fair.
Maine Agricultural
Trades Show:
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Forestry’s annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved through
demonstrations, presentations and meetings of nearly 40 major agricultural
organizations. There are over 120 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 (January 10-12). Admission is free and open to the public.
This three-day event has
something for everyone, the farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator or supplier.
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.
Trades Show floor hours:
- Tuesday, January 10, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 11, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The complete program and
schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/ .
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