WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural community is a cornerstone of our great state and provides numerous benefits to Maine's residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural sector fuels the state's economy, contributing more than $3.6 billion annually, employing tens of thousands of people, and stewarding more than 1 million acres of agricultural land; and

WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural community has worked tirelessly to build the foundation for a vibrant local food system that ensures the availability of Maine farm products year-round and upholds one of the state's key heritage industries; and

WHEREAS, Maine has set goals to strengthen our state's agricultural infrastructure, increase the amount of food consumed in-state that is produced in Maine, decrease reliance on food imports, and work toward ending hunger by 2030; and

WHEREAS, March 24, 2026, marks National Agriculture Day, which is celebrated in classrooms, communities, and statehouses across the country, including in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House through the longstanding Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature tradition; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 observance of National Agriculture Day and Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature holds special significance as Maine recognizes the Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the leadership, innovation, and contributions of women across Maine's farms and food system; and

WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural heritage and future depend on supporting experienced producers, new and beginning farmers, and young people exploring careers in farming, forestry, and food systems through programs such as 4-H, FFA, agricultural education, and hands-on farm experience; and

WHEREAS, we must continue to support our agricultural producers to ensure Maine's working landscapes thrive, agriculture remains a foundation of our state's economy and heritage, and Maine-grown farm products are accessible and available for generations to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of March 22-28, 2026 as

Agriculture Week

in Maine, so that we may all support and celebrate Maine's resilient working landscape, its lasting heritage of high-quality products, and the vast opportunities that the future of farming holds.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this nineteenth day of March Two Thousand Twenty-Six