Steve Getz of Organic Valley will present new emerging opportunities for Aroostook agriculture at the upcoming Aroostook County Farm Bureau annual dinner held on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Levasseur Farrel American Legion Post in Van Buren. Getz, with the help of the Maine Farm Bureau, was instrumental in facilitating the contract between Organic Valley and half of the Maine organic dairy farmers who lost their distribution channel when MOO Milk closed its operations.
“New opportunities for Aroostook agriculture” is the theme of this year’s Aroostook County Farm Bureau meeting. In addition to Getz reviewing Organic Valley’s Aroostook initiative, the meeting will feature a presentation from the newly formed Aroostook Food Network that is working to connect locally produced food with consumers and retailers. Also on the agenda is a report on “Lessons learned from the MOO Milk experience.”
Each year, members of the Maine Farm Bureau meet on the county level to vote on resolutions concerning issues including farming, agriculture, aquaculture and land rights. Maine Farm Bureau Executive Secretary Jon Olson said the county organizations’ concerns then come before the Maine Farm Bureau statewide annual meeting in November where Maine Farm Bureau’s position on legislative issues are approved. Last year, he said, this grassroots process led the Maine Farm Bureau to reverse its initial position in opposition to GMO labeling and, instead, support a bill that was passed by the Maine legislature.
Aroostook is the first county Farm Bureau to hold its annual meeting this year. Topics likely to be discussed include the use of drones by government agencies and private companies over private land without the landowners’ permission, and the push for better broadband and cell phone coverage in rural areas of the state.
The event is open to the public and will be held on Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Levasseur Farrel American Legion Post 49, located at 117 Washington Avenue in Van Buren. The theme for this year’s meeting will be discussing new opportunities for Aroostook County agriculture. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. with presentations and voting to follow. There will be an early bird discount for Maine Farm Bureau members. For non-members or those registering after Aug. 25 admission will be $15. Tickets will be available at the door, however reservations are strongly suggested.
To reserve tickets email Aroostookfb@gmail.com or call 764-6464.
