Your Guide to the 83rd Maine Agricultural Trades Show

Dear Friends,

We extend a heartfelt invitation to join us at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show? next week, from Tuesday to Thursday, January 9-11, at the Augusta Civic Center. We are proud to host an event that has become an honored tradition, fostering connections and representing the very best place to discover what's next for Maine agriculture.

The 2024 show promises informative sessions that cover crucial topics, business advising connections at the Listening Post, more than 100 exhibitors, the inaugural Agritourism Summit, and a lot more! Whether you're deeply involved in Maine's farming and food production or simply curious about our state's natural resources, all are welcome to explore exhibit booths, receive industry updates, and discover the critical role each of us plays in supporting Maine's natural resources economy.

**Please note that we received an update from the Maine Emergency Management Agency regarding upcoming winter storms.**

The first storm is forecasted for Saturday evening through Sunday, with accumulation expected in Southern Maine and along the coast. The snow is anticipated to be light and fluffy, with cold temperatures reducing the likelihood of widespread power outages. While this initial storm is not expected to have major impacts, we want to inform you of a more significant storm forecasted for Tuesday evening into Wednesday. The preliminary forecast calls for wind, heavy rain, snow, and sleet, potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions and other concerns. As of now, the plan is to proceed with the ATS as scheduled for Wednesday. However, we understand the importance of weather-dependent decisions and commit to communicating updates or changes as early as possible. We will reach out through email, update our website, and post on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X) to keep everyone informed.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to a successful and safe Maine Agricultural Trades Show.

Sincerely,
DACF Staff and Show Organizers

Planning Your Visit - Explore the Show Info?

• Bookmark the show webpage for news, maps, schedules and other info:?www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow
  • Explore the participant directory
  • Preview the venue map, use it to search for exhibits, and room locations
• Stay in the know about delays and closures. Receive text or email alerts via the?Maine.gov Citizen Alert System

Show Dates and Entry - Open to the public!

• Doors open daily at 9 a.m., with no entry fee. While some conference sessions may require pre-registration and a nominal fee, most do not.
• Tuesday, January 9, 2023 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 10, 2023 - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, January 11, 2023 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location

• At the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
• Exit 112 off Interstate 95. Follow the signs for Augusta Civic Center. Public parking is available at the venue.?

Daily Conference Sessions & the "Maine" Stage

View the Maine Agricultural Trades Show Calendar?for the full list of events, and to download the PDFs of printable event schedules.

Recent schedule additions or updates:

• Maine Dairy Forum. 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9; second floor. The Maine Dairy Industry Assoc. invites dairies to attend for market updates and policy. Enjoy coffee, milk and cookies, donated by Phoenix Feeds.
• Comprehensive Farmworker Safety Training 9?a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9; second floor. This free, 2-hour training from Pathstone will cover?Worker Protection Standard, Limiting Expsoure Around Families, and Tractor Safety.
• Northeast Regional Food Business Center Listening Sessions and Presentations with the?NASDA Foundation:
  • Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024
    • Listening Sessions ? Knox Conference Room ? 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (Drop in format)
    • Presentation ? Somerset Room ? 3:30PM to 4:30PM
  • Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
    • Listening Sessions ? Cumberland Room ? 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. (Drop in format)
    • Presentation ? Waldo Room ? 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Preview Exhibit Booths
Discover new-to-the-show service and equipment providers and organizations supporting Maine's natural resource businesses. Search the interactive map to preview booth locations.

Reserve Your Free Business Advising at the Listening Post
Take advantage of coaching support from multiple business advising offerings throughout the trade show. Reserve a meeting time in advance!

On-site dining with Maine farm ingredients
The Portable Pie Place and Bowlicious food trucks will be set up daily to sell food and beverages throughout the show?as part of the new Maine Farm Ingredient Food Truck Showcase from Real Maine.