UMaine Downeast Agriculture Conference Coming to Machias in January 2020
UMaine Downeast Agriculture Conference
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 8:30 am – 4:15 pm (Snow date is January 25).
Location: Lee/Pellon Center, Machias
Register here or by calling 207-581-3175 by January 12.
Registration Fee: $0-$50 (Contribute what you can!)
Contact: Mary Michaud mary.michaud@maine.edu 207-581-3175
Both land and sea based production will be included. The full agenda is below.
Goals for this event include:
- Bring agricultural and aquacultural education and resources to Hancock and Washington counties.
- Connect farmers with other farmers, stakeholders, and organizations.
We are hoping that local organizations and businesses have tables at this event and/or contribute a donation. This being the first year, we would like everyone to be able to attend and/or contribute. Different ways you could contribute to making this event successful include:
- Request to have a table where your resources and/or products are displayed
- Contribute a monetary donation ($50-$500 range) to help pay for the event
- Donate a raffle prize, food item, or table decoration
Agenda
8:30-9:15 a.m.: Welcome and Wild Blueberry Family Farm Future, Dr. Lily Calderwood, Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Extension Wild Blueberry Specialist
9:15-10:00: High Tunnel Production, Dr. Mark Hutton, Associate Professor of Vegetable Crops and Extension Vegetable Specialist
10:00-10:45: Seaweed Production, Jaclyn Robidoux, Marine Extension Associate, University of Maine/University of New England
10:45-12:00: Grower Panel: Overcoming Challenges in Downeast Maine. Goal: Shed light on challenges AND solutions
12:00-1:00 p.m.: LUNCH; Catered by Angie’s Catering
1:00-1:45: Shellfish, Bait Fish, and Shared Waters, Dana Morse and Jaclyn Rabidoux, Marine Extension Associates, University of Maine
1:45-2:30: Distribution of Goods in Downeast Maine, TBD
2:30-3:15: Value-added and Agri-tourism Ideas, Crystal Hitchings, Washington County Council of Governments
3:15-4:15: Grower Panel: Opportunities for Collaboration. Goal: Discuss processing and distribution overlap