80th Annual Maine Agricultural Trade Show Plans and Dates Announced

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Note to editors: The Maine Agricultural Trades Show has been an integral part of the state's farming community for 80 years. The planning and organizing role falls on the Department of Agricultural, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. The Department takes its job very seriously because the tradeshow serves to build and strengthen relationships with and between farmers and producers. The ongoing education, product launches, product and service sales, and opportunities to network while honoring Maine's agricultural heritage are why it is so important to attend and participate in the ATS. We invite you to share this information and be in touch with questions, photo requests, or anything else that might help. Thank You. 


For Immediate Release
November 16, 2020

Contacts: Leigh Hallet, Jim Britt

80th Annual Maine Agricultural Trade Show Plans and Dates Announced

AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) 2021 Maine Agricultural Trades Show (ATS) is scheduled for Tuesday to Saturday, January 19-23, 2021. The five-day all-online ATS will feature a mixture of live- and pre-recorded presentations and forums on agricultural and forestry issues, sessions for ag producer groups, exhibitor showcases, and networking opportunities. The schedule will be a mix of day, evening, and weekend offerings. A digital library of content and information will remain fully accessible during and following the ATS for individuals who cannot join live sessions.

Typically, there are more than 100 unique sessions during the three-day in-person show. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting virtual format, there will be just a fraction of that number as part of DACF's programming. UMaine Cooperative Extension, industry groups, and nonprofits are also planning winter training opportunities, some of which will dovetail with the ATS.

DACF will coordinate conference themes and presentations, directly responding to continuing feedback from the agricultural and forestry sectors. DACF staff are coordinating with interested producer groups to organize sessions. Also, pesticide credits and other annual credentials are included in this year's online ATS. Vendors and sponsors can also showcase their businesses online. The Department is looking forward to using this new format to share important information, interact with the broad agriculture and forestry communities, and celebrate Maine agriculture.

Attend and participate in the 2021 Maine Agricultural Trades Show The 2021 ATS schedule and attendee tips and exhibitor information will post on http://www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow. Interested attendees and participants are invited to subscribe to BAFRR's digital newsletters and receive ATS details and updates. Questions on how to participate in the ATS? Email acfagtradesshow@maine.gov

About the Maine Agricultural Trades Show
A tradition since 1941, DACF's Maine Agricultural Trades Show is where the state's agricultural community convenes to celebrate farming, network, and plan for the coming season. Organized and hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the show provides access to resources that empower farmers and rural communities. Typically, over 100 exhibitors and dozens of conference sessions are part of this show, attracting agricultural producers, educators, exhibitors, businesses, and others to celebrate farming, exchange best practices, and explore farming products, equipment, and services. The show is free and open to the public and is an excellent opportunity for all ages to experience Maine's dynamic agriculture industry. The 2021 show will be held virtually. DACF anticipates returning to an in-person format in 2022. Learn more on the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources webpages.

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