WHEREAS, Maine’s agricultural community is a cornerstone of our great state and provides numerous benefits to Maine’s residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s agricultural sector fuels the state’s economy, contributing more than $3.6 billion and employing tens of thousands of people, with over 1 million acres in agricultural use; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s agricultural community has worked tirelessly to build the foundation for a vibrant local food system that ensures the availability of Maine farm products year-round and upholds one of the state’s key heritage industries; and

WHEREAS, Maine has set goals to strengthen our state’s agricultural infrastructure and increase the amount of food consumed in-state that is produced in Maine, decrease reliance on food imports, and end hunger by 2030; and

WHEREAS, March 18, 2025, marks National Agriculture Day, which is celebrated in classrooms, communities, and statehouses, including The Hall of Flags at the Maine State House through the longstanding Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature tradition; and

WHEREAS, 2025’s National Agriculture Day and Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature have heightened significance as they coincide with Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s agricultural heritage and economy depend on inspiring and educating young leaders emerging as advocates for agriculture, conservation, forestry, and local food systems; and

WHEREAS, we all must continue to support our agricultural producers to ensure Maine’s working landscapes thrive, agriculture remains a foundation of our state, and Maine-grown farm products are accessible and available for generations to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of March 17-23, 2025 as

Agriculture Week

in Maine, so that we may all support and celebrate Maine's resilient working landscape, its lasting heritage of high-quality products, and the vast opportunities that the future of farming holds.

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