Cooperative Extension to Host AG Outlook Conference
Contact: Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator, Cumberland County, 1-800-287-1471 (within Maine)
ORONO– Agriculture is key to the state’s economy as well as to communities and farm families. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will provide a peak at the future of Maine agriculture in a conference on March 10 in Orono.
Speakers will include Mark Lapping, professor of public policy and management at the University of Southern Maine; Stewart Smith, professor in the UMaine Department of Resource Economics and former state commissioner of agriculture; and Marge Kilkelly, former state legislator.
They and others will address the needs of Maine farmers and the strategies being developed by public and private organizations to meet those needs.
Representatives of governmental and non-profit groups will discuss the history and future of Maine’s farm history, the role of agriculture in rural economic development and UMaine’s efforts to help farmers thrive.
This day-long conference is open to the public and will be held at the Wells Commons on the UMaine campus. The $10 registration fee includes proceedings and lunch. A complete schedule and registration information are available on the Internet or by phone, Melissa Potts, 1-800-287-7170.