WHEREAS, the agricultural industry is a foundational element of Maine’s economy, heritage, and culture, contributing to food security, rural prosperity, and environmental stewardship across our state; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s youth play a crucial role in ensuring the future resilience and innovation of the agricultural sector, with young leaders emerging as advocates for agriculture, conservation, forestry, and local food systems; and

WHEREAS, the average age of Maine’s farmers is increasing, highlighting the need to actively encourage and support the next generation of agriculturalists to maintain and grow Maine’s agricultural legacy; and

WHEREAS, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and other organizations such as the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Farm Bureau, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Maine Farmland Trust can harness opportunities to provide young people with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to pursue meaningful and successful careers in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture in 2025 will highlight opportunities for Maine’s young people to learn about agricultural careers, develop hands-on skills, and participate in initiatives that connect them with mentors, internships, and educational resources across the agricultural sector; and

WHEREAS, we celebrate the contributions of Maine’s young people to the fields of agriculture and conservation and recognize their power to shape Maine’s future with new perspectives, sustainability practices, and leadership;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim 2025 as

Maine Year of Youth in Agriculture

throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of young people in agriculture and to support programs that promote their education, engagement, and success.

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