Group promotes agriculture

    Maine Agri-Women is a growing organization which was organized in April, 1993 in Aroostook County. Alarmed by the deteriorating image of agriculture in Maine, the organizers felt the need to unite and promote agriculture awareness. Peggy Niblett of Easton was the co-founder and first president. The founding group passed by-laws and elected officers.
Agriculture is supported in the classroom, with members going in to local schools to read a book pertaining to agriculture. This takes place during Ag Week, which is usually in the month of March.
The Maine Agri-women (MAW) held its annual meeting at the Vault restaurant in Houlton on April 15. Sara Williams, representing Aurora Mills and Farms, did a presentation. Dues were collected and new members were welcomed. Sue McCrum, the new American Agri-Women president, spoke briefly about agricultural issues. Every member went home with door prizes, which were donated by various businesses.
MAW held a meeting on April 30 at the Maine Potato Board office in Presque Isle. Jill Leavitt, MAW president, opened the meeting. Scholarship applications were read and it was decided to give four scholarships this year to grandchildren of the members. Reports were given on the french fry sales which were held at the recent trade show in Presque Isle and also the Top-Of-Maine Trade Show in Madawaska.
Maine will be hosting the American Ag-Women Convention in Portland November 2015. MAW hosted its first convention in Bar Harbor 13 years ago. It was a great success and each year there have been inquiries as to when Maine would host again. A steering committee has been set up to work on the convention. Also, some smaller committees have been set up. There will be many things to get done to prepare as there will be ladies from all across the nation who are anxious to come back to the state.
The MAW is always open to any woman who would like to join the group and help support agriculture.