Governor Mills Proclaims 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” in Maine

January 15, 2025 Agriculture, Fruits and Vegetables

Leaders

Augusta– Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Department of Education (DOE), has proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” in Maine. The Year of Youth in Agriculture will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging resources, including events, partnerships, and the work of engaging and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. including through nationally recognized organizations like 4-H and FFA.

“I am pleased to proclaim 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth Agriculture’ in Maine, celebrating the young people who are shaping the future of Maine’s agricultural sector,” said Governor Janet Mills. “In the coming months, the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Department of Education will work with partners across the state to ensure Maine’s next generation of farmers and growers have the training, mentorship, and resources necessary to carry forward Maine’s rich agricultural heritage.”

The Year of Youth in Agriculture will focus on integrating youth perspectives into key activities throughout the year, fostering opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing their contributions to the future of farming.

Some highlights include:

  • Youth Panel at the Ag Trades Show Commissioner’s Luncheon (January 14): Young people involved in agriculture through FFA, 4-H, and Cultivating Community will share their ideas and hopes for the future of farming. This panel aims to provide insight into the interests, aspirations, and challenges faced by youth in agriculture today.
  • Engagement on Agriculture Day in the Legislature (March 18): A cohort of youth will be invited to gain exposure to the many exhibiting organizations while meeting DACF staff and policymakers to deepen their understanding of agricultural policy and legislative processes and issues.
  • Highlighting community involvement: Many youth are proudly involved in our agricultural fairs, school gardens, and other settings where farming and food and fiber production contribute to their communities. We will look to spotlight these stories, celebrating youth leadership throughout the year, including highlighting their participation at the “Big E” in Springfield, MA, during September. This year’s Big E marks the 100th anniversary of the Maine Building, showcasing youth contributions and achievements in a regional spotlight.

The Year of Youth in Agriculture initiative underscores a commitment to fostering agricultural talent and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to engage with Maine’s food and fiber agriculture community and its future, and we invite all agriculture-related organizations, businesses, and associations to join us in looking for meaningful ways throughout the year to engage with and elevate the perspectives of young people, and to explore the many types of careers that support agriculture in Maine.

“Talking with young people who have a passion for agriculture is always a source of great inspiration,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. “This Year of Youth in Agriculture provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their contributions while strengthening their connection to agriculture and its essential role in our future.”

“The Department of Education is committed to empowering Maine’s young people by providing opportunities that connect them with real-world experiences, like those in agriculture,” said DOE Commissioner Pender Makin. “Through partnerships with programs like FFA, 4-H, and initiatives like the Year of Youth in Agriculture, we’re ensuring that students understand the role agriculture plays in our communities and see the endless possibilities for their futures.”

“Supporting engagement in agriculture is about cultivating knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose that will sustain Maine for generations to come,” said Craig Lapine, Director of the Maine Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.

“We are excited to help showcase the work and creativity being done by youth across the state on their way to becoming tomorrow’s agricultural leaders,” said Dean Hannah Carter of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “Through programs like our Agriculture Ambassadors, YOUth Have a Voice, and Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders, hundreds of Maine youth participate in hands-on activities to learn the skills they need to be engaged community members and innovative contributors to the food systems in Maine and beyond.”

In her official proclamation, Governor Mills highlights the foundational role of agriculture in Maine’s economy and culture, as well as the critical need to encourage and support the next generation of agriculturalists. Read the proclamation on the Governor’s website.

Get Involved

Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture in 2025 provides an opportunity to align schools, communities, and the agriculture industry in celebrating and empowering young agriculturalists. Follow DACF and Real Maine, subscribe, and call (207) 287-7513 for Maine Year of Youth in Agriculture information, including opportunities to get involved.