Maine Agri-WomenMaine Agri-Women was organized
in April 1993 in Aroostook County, Maine. Alarmed by the deteriorating
image of agriculture in Maine, the organizers felt the need to united
and promote agriculture awareness. Peggy Niblett of Easton was the
co-founder, and the first elected president. Maine Agri-Women includes
a Board of Directors and yearly- elected officers. The founding
group passed by-laws, which divided its representation into ten
districts, covering the entire state.
Maine Agri-Women was formed with the objective to create an entity,
which would stand with the men of the industry. Taking up the slack
in areas where the everyday demands of farming simply prohibit the
men of becoming involved was one of the major objectives. We also
offer a different perspective on issues, which in truth, the men
have wearied of fighting alone.
The goals are to educate the membership and the public concerning
the importance of agriculture to the economy and to the environment.
Another goal is to unite all phases of Maine agriculture that have
mutual concerns. Finally, Maine Agri-Women also wants to improve
the image of agriculture and to ensure that agriculture interests
are heard and dealt with fairly. We support and encourage research
that will benefit agriculture.
The consumer who depends on quality, variety and supply at anytime
of the year, needs agriculture. Everyone who eats, wears clothing
and goes to work, needs agriculture. Even the transportation industry
is involved with getting the product to market. The agricultural
industry reaches consumers throughout the nation and throughout
the world.
To support education in the classroom, the Agri-Women have three
portable models of a potato house, including farm machinery. The
unit has two weeks worth of materials for the teachers to utilize.
Incredible as it seems, there are many children (and adults) who
have no idea what a potato house is, how a packing operation is
run, or even how potatoes grow. Included in the classroom collection
are eighty slides and a cassette that tells the story of growing
potatoes, from planting to harvest.
Used with permission from the Maine Agri-Women
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