WHEREAS, the Maine Agricultural Trades Show is the state’s largest farmer-focused business, offering the finest commercial and technical guidance and educational experiences; and

WHEREAS, the Maine Agricultural Trades Show draws more than 1,000 people a year and over 100 ag-related exhibits and is an 80-plus year tradition celebrated during the second week of each January; and

WHEREAS, participation in the Maine Agricultural Trades Show boosts farm businesses with the latest developments in farm equipment, hardware, technology, and continuing education; and

WHEREAS, the annual three-day gathering of Mainer farmers, food producers, sector suppliers, and stakeholders reconvenes in-person January 10 to 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, this special gathering is a welcome and inviting place for all people and, in particular, new Mainers, new farmers, and those interested in exploring agricultural careers or in lending their decades of experience to support a resilient agricultural economy; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that Maine farms and agricultural businesses are a mainstay of our state’s economy and culture and we need to protect our open spaces and make sure Maine food ingredients and farm products are accessible and available year-round;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim January 8 through 14, 2023 as

Maine Agricultural Trades Show Recognition Week

throughout the State of Maine, so that Maine’s farmers and farm-related industries feel the appreciation they deserve and carry on the Maine agriculture tradition for generations to come.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eleventh day of January Two Thousand Twenty-Three