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Agricultural Resource Development
Maine Agricultural Trades Show

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*December 8, 2025

*Maine Agricultural Trades Show Announces 2026 Conference Session Lineup*

*Augusta, Maine* — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has announced the full slate of educational sessions and meetings for the *85th Maine Agricultural Trades Show*, taking place *January 13–15, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center*.

The three-day event brings together farmers, foresters, food producers, agri-business owners, students, and partners from across the state and region for hands-on training, policy discussions, business development workshops, industry meetings, and networking events focused on building a strong, resilient future for Maine agriculture.

More than *80 sessions* are scheduled and offered in partnership with organizations including MOFGA, UMaine Cooperative Extension, USDA Rural Development, Small Business Development Association, Maine Department of Labor, Maine WIC, Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network, Maine Farm Bureau, Agricultural Council of Maine, Maine Maple Producers Association, Maine Pomological Society, Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers, Maine Cheese Guild, Maine Dairy Industry Association, Maine Sheep Breeders, Maine FFA and 4-H, Maine Woodland Owners, SCORE Maine, CEI, ReVision Energy, Renoster, Maine Mobile Health, and many others.

*2026 Conference Schedule Highlights*

*Energy, Climate, and Resource Resilience*

Sessions help farms reduce operating costs, strengthen long-term infrastructure, and plan for climate adaptation, including:


* *Planning for the Next 20 Years: Long-Term Energy Resilience with Solar + Storage* – Solar and battery storage strategies for farm growth (Jan. 13).
* *Climate Impacts on Your Farm* – Farmer-led discussion on real-world climate adaptation and resilience strategies (Jan. 13).
* *Maine Farmers Can Reduce Energy Costs with USDA’s REAP Program* – Learn how to qualify for grants for energy efficiency and renewable projects (Jan. 13 & 14).
* *Forest Carbon Credits Presentation* – Opportunities for woodland owners to participate in carbon markets (Jan. 14).

*Business Development, Grants, and Financial Planning*

Producers can access tools to grow their operations and navigate available resources:


* *Minor Equipment Grant for Specialty Crops* – New DACF grant program overview (Jan. 13).
* *Planning Major Farm Investments: State Tax Credits* – Dirigo Business Incentives program overview (Jan. 13).
* *Understanding USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG)* – Learn how products qualify and how to prepare competitive applications (Jan. 13 & 14).
* *How Can SBA Help My Farm?* – Business financing and development resources (Jan. 14).
* *Succession Planning for Your Farm Business* – practical guidance on succession planning, land access, and farm transfer strategies (Jan 14).
* *Improve Your Farm’s Financial Performance in 2026* – Goal-setting and benchmarking session with SCORE Maine (Jan. 15).

*Certification, Soil Health & Production Practices*

Hands-on and technical learning continues with:


* *No-Till Tarping Techniques* and *Biological Control & IPM* – MOFGA-led crop production workshops (Jan. 13).
* *Demystifying Organic Certification & USDA’s TOPP Program* – Transition guidance and mentoring opportunities (Jan. 13).
* *Economic Impact of Organic Farming in Maine* – Presentation of new statewide study findings (Jan. 13).
* *Nutrient Management Trainings* – Multiple sessions offering continuing education credits covering cover cropping, crop nutrients, compost tea, and NRCS implementation planning (Jan. 13 & 14).
* *Agroforestry for Farms & Woodland Owners* – Techniques including silvopasture and forest farming (Jan. 14).
* *Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program – *Learn about qualifications for federal funding support specifically for farms impacted by weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024 (Jan. 13).

*Labor, Workforce & Health*

Sessions addressing workforce compliance and farmer well-being:


* *Navigating Health Insurance Options for Farmers* – Marketplace guidance, tax credits, and cost-sharing education (Jan. 13).
* *Health & Wellness in Agriculture and Forestry* – Panel on balancing physical and mental health in farm and forestry operations (Jan. 13).
* *Understanding Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave Law (PFML)* – Compliance overview and Q&A (Jan. 13).
* *Seeds for Success: Labor Standards Compliance in Agriculture* – Wage, safety, and employment requirements (Jan. 14).
* *Navigating the H-2A Journey* – Step-by-step guidance on seasonal worker programs (Jan. 15).

*Markets, Food Systems & Value Chains*

Connecting Maine producers to buyers and new outlets:


* *From Farmstand to Retail Shelf* – Navigating wholesale, packaging, and grocery sales (Jan. 14).
* *Farm to School 101* – Selling to schools and institutions with support from Maine’s Local Food Fund (Jan. 14).
* *Local Food Producer & Buyer Matchmaking Event* – In-person connection session (Jan. 15).
* *Local Food Switchboard Update Workshop* – Preview of Maine’s statewide food system coordination platform (Jan. 15).
* *Maine Farm & Sea Cooperative – Fork Food Lab Presentation* – Program overview and partnership opportunities (Jan. 15).

*Policy & Advocacy*

Opportunities for producers to shape the future of agriculture:


* *Growing Power for Maine Farms* – A policy dialogue hosted by Maine Farm Bureau and the Agricultural Council of Maine (Jan. 14).
* *Maine Food Policy Workshop* – Legislative priorities including hunger solutions, farmland preservation, infrastructure investment, and mental health initiatives (Jan. 14).

*Youth & Leadership*


* *Youth in Agriculture Leadership Day* – FFA and 4-H led training workshops, panels, and networking (Jan. 14).

*Industry Meetings*

Member and producer meetings include:


* *Maine Christmas Tree Growers’ Meeting* (Jan. 13)
* *Maine Dairy Industry Association Meeting* (Jan. 13)
* *Maine Cheese Guild Winter Meeting* (Jan. 13)
* *Maine Organic Milk Producers Meeting* (Jan. 13)
* *Maine Eastern States Exposition Trustees Winter Meeting (Jan. 13)*
* *Maine Maple Producers Association Annual Meeting* (Jan. 14)
* *Maine Sheep Breeders Association Meeting *(Jan.14)
* *Maine Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Association Meeting* (Jan. 14) *Remember membership dues!
* *Maine Pomological Society Annual Meeting* (Jan. 14)
* *Forestry Forum – Maine Woodland Owners* (Jan. 14)

*Special Features*


*

*Maine Mobile Health Pop-Up Clinic*  – A team including a nurse, community health worker, and behavioral health provider will offer on-site health screenings (including blood pressure, BMI, depression, and anxiety), and health education for agriculture and seafood industry workers and their families, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. PFAS blood serum testing will be available for pre-approved individuals. Attendees can also learn more about Maine Mobile Health’s care model and enroll as patients if eligible. (Jan. 13 to 15).


* *Maine Farmcast Live Show* – Returning to the main stage with a surprise DACF guest (Jan. 14).
* *Mead! An Engaging Presentation* hosted by *Runamok Meadery* (Jan. 14).
* *2026 Milestones: International Year of the Woman Farmer *– Maine Senior FarmShare Program acknowledges 25 years, special community engagement activities (3-6 p.m. Jan. 14)
* *Agritourism Summit* – Training, digital field days, and tourism partnerships (Jan. 15).

*Planning to Attend*

There is no admission fee to attend the show. Please check the conference listings for any pre-registration and course fee requirements. Full session schedules and registration information are available at: *[link removed]* [ [link removed] ]*.*

*About the Maine Agricultural Trades Show*

The Maine Agricultural Trades Show, hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, is the state’s largest annual agricultural gathering, featuring educational programming, industry meetings, a large commercial trade show floor, youth leadership activities, and networking opportunities that connect farmers, foresters, food producers, and policymakers to advance Maine’s working lands and food economy.

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Media Contact: Jim Britt, DACF Communications Director
(207) 480-0558, [email protected]




Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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