AUBURN, Maine — The Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Chapter of Maine Farm Bureau will host the 2017 annual meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch, November 18 and 19. The two-day event features workshops, panels and tours, as well as a banquet supper on Saturday November 18. A general business meeting and voting delegates meeting followed by a state board meeting occurs Sunday, November 19.

The event is an opportunity for Maine Farm Bureau members, and others interested in Maine agriculture, to partake in educational sessions, and tour businesses that are a part of Maine agriculture.

Saturday morning features workshops, panels, and networking, which begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at noon. There is no cost to attend workshops and tours, and agricultural enthusiasts are invited to participate. Workshop and panel topics include:

• Maine’s Food System Panel—understanding food policy for farming families
• Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) updates for the farmer
• No-Till and Cover Crop talk
• Broadband in Maine workshop
• Marijuana legislative update
• Knowledge and resource sharing form UMaine Cooperative Extension, including AgrAbility and Beginning Farmer Resource Network
• Farm and small business financial tools
• Industry and legislative updates

After a break for lunch, Saturday afternoon activities begin with tours from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., departing from the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. Tours feature visits to area farms and businesses including Ricker Hill Orchards, Brigeen Farms, and Hillandale Farms. Shuttles are available for attendees.

Saturday concludes with a banquet supper at 6:00 p.m., that features open resolutions session, a keynote presentation and entertainment. The cost for supper is $35.00 per person.

Day two of the annual meeting features the collaborative, participatory process for Maine Farm Bureau members to share and prioritize important issues and opportunities that impact Maine’s diverse group of family farms and the MFB membership. In addition to the open resolutions session on Saturday evening, three business meeting segments are scheduled Sunday from 8:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., they include general session, voting delegates session and state board of directors meeting. Voting delegates are reminded to bring their participant credentials to check-in and registration for the business meeting on Sunday.

Donations are still being accepted for the annual fundraising raffle-silent auction items. Please contact Maine Farm Bureau offices if you wish to donate.

To pre-register, complete the online form here: https://www.mainefarmbureau.us/annual-meeting-registration/

About Maine Farm Bureau:

Maine Farm Bureau (MFB) is the unified voice in preserving and growing Maine’s agriculture. MFB works to ensure the sustainability and profitability of Maine’s natural resource businesses through advocacy and support regarding legislation, regulations, marketing, education and consumer awareness. To learn more visit www.mainefarmbureau.com

–Maine Farm Bureau

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