Media Advisory: Commissioner Whitcomb to highlight Administration support for veteran farmers Thursday

July 22, 2015

A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed at Ireland Hill Farms to promote agricultural products grown or processed by military veterans in Maine

SWANVILLE ? Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Walt Whitcomb will travel to Ireland Hill Farms in Swanville on Thursday, July 23, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to promote agricultural products grown or processed by military veterans in Maine. The Memorandum between the DACF and The Veteran Farmer Coalition, a nonprofit corporation, will promote the nationally trademarked ?Homegrown By Heroes? program aimed at promoting the marketing and purchase of agricultural commodities produced by military veterans.

?I am pleased to support the men and women who have been there for us by helping promote programs that allow their talents and contributions to grow Maine?s rural economy,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?This effort will help sustain military veterans, their families and all Maine families by promoting the marketing and purchase of agricultural commodities produced by veterans.?

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted the importance of creating programs for returning veterans to farm. ?The Ireland farm is a great example. Ireland family support for the Maine Farmer Veteran Coalition and the national "HomeGrown By Heroes" label will encourage other veterans to become Maine farmers,? said Whitcomb. ?On behalf of Governor LePage and the First Lady, I thank the Irelands and wish their new farm great success.?

WHERE: Ireland Hill Farms 282 Nickerson Road Swanville, ME

WHEN: Thursday, July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Signing Ceremony @ 1:00 p.m.)

Administration Support of Maine Veterans:

Throughout his administration, Governor LePage has made it a priority to support Maine?s veterans and active duty service men and women. First Lady Ann LePage has dedicated herself to the cause of supporting our military members and their families through participation in welcoming troops home, hosting veterans and their families at the Blaine House and her commitment to the Wreaths Across America organization. This partnership effort between the DACF and the ?HomeGrown By Heroes? national trademark is part of that longstanding commitment to families connected to the military.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/

For more information contact: John Bott at: 207-287-3156