How Can Education Support Agriculture in Maine?

A Morris Farm Community Forum

May 15, 2010

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

at Wiscasset Primary School, adjoining The Morris Farm

on Route 27, at Gardiner Road, Wiscasset

 

• What Maine’s leaders in agricultural education believe is needed to support the future of Maine agriculture

• How we, in a wide variety of regional groups, can help build a future that is secure for farms and food.

 

Morning-session speakers will include Seth Bradstreet (Maine Commissioner of Ag), Marge Kilkelly (Northeast Sustainable Food and Agriculture Working Group, former legislator and farmer), Russell Libby (Executive Director of MOFGA), John Piotti (Legislator, Executive Director of Maine Farmland Trust), John Rebar (Executive Director of U Maine Cooperative Extension), Stewart Smith (Professor of Sustainable Ag, UMO),and our moderator, Wendy Pieh (goat farmer, Legislator, House Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry).

 

Group discussions and collaboration will be the focus of the afternoon session, facilitated by several local folks involved in ag education, such as Gary Balducci, Knox-Lincoln Farm Bureau President, Jed Beach from Aldermere Farms, Karen Kleinkopf of FARMS, Pam Zeutenhorst of the Maine Commission for Community Service, and John D’Anieri of Maine Farm Enterprise School. 

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PURPOSE: To host an important conversation amongst Maine’s leaders in agricultural education,

and members of our communities, and representatives of educational and agricultural organizations, to learn, to connect and to brainstorm about ways we can support such education.

 

WHO SHOULD JOIN THIS CONVERSATION?

Folks from all corners of our communities:

• Schools (K-12; vocational; community college; university);
• Nonprofit organizations that focus on agriculture and education;
• Farms (profit and nonprofit/educational);
• Public programs (e.g., FSA, NRCS, University of Maine Cooperative Extension; Boy/Cub Scouts; Community Gardens, School Gardens);
• Individuals with an interest in agriculture and education.

WHAT WILL WE GAIN?

• A better understanding of the current needs and directions in Ag Education;
• New contacts with folks who share a common interest;
• Ideas to pursue on our own and with other organizations.

Register Now                    Directions 

 

 

 

PROGRAM FOR THE DAY:

 

10 - 10:15 AM - Introductions

 

10:15 - 12:15 - Panel Discussion: Panelists Seth Bradstreet, Marge Kilkelly, Russell Libby, John Piotti, John Rebar, Stewart Smith, and Wendy Pieh, moderator, will address:

• What they see as the most important issues in Maine agriculture,
• How education (at all levels) can help address them?
• What education-related links exist now between organizations supporting Maine agriculture, and what other links would be good to see?
• What is the most effective agricultural educational program they know, in Maine or elsewhere.

 

12:15 - 1:15 - Lunch at The Morris Farm

 

1:15 - 2:15 - Small group discussions (8 or 10 in a group):

• Facilitated by invited guests;
• Topics (TBA - e.g., education to support agriculture in school settings; community settings; how organizations can cooperate; hands-on opportunities; use of media; etc.)
• Each group will produce a list of ideas, conclusions and suggestions.
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2:15 - 3:00 - Each group will share its ideas, etc. with whole group.

 

Important Notes:

1. Space for organization displays and literature for participants will be available in the Education Center at The Morris Farm.
2. Lunch will be available for purchase in The Morris Farm Education Center.  The lunch will be prepared by Slow Food Midcoast Maine (cost: $10 per person).
3. Attendees will be invited from a wide array of community organizations; members of the general public are also welcome. (Expected attendance +/-100).

 Register Now                    Directions