Our next 40 years: American Agri-Women organization marks milestone at 2015 convention, Nov. 5-8, Maine
MARS HILL, Maine (AgPR), Oct. 7, 2015 — American Agri-Women's (AAW) 2015 national convention in Portland, Maine, set for Nov. 5-8, will be a culmination of the organization’s year-long celebration of its 40thanniversary and offer a look into the future of the organization. AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women.
This year’s 40th anniversary events included a Drive Across America, where volunteers drove in a specially wrapped “farm pickup” on a five-month education and advocacy tour of the U.S.
The 2015 convention’s theme is “Harvesting for the Future” and attendees will hear speakers on ag issues as well as tour different aspects of Maine agriculture. Maine Agri-Women is hosting the convention. Maine is also the home state of AAW President Sue McCrum, who will complete her two-year term this year.
“It’s such an honor to celebrate all that we’ve achieved in our first 40 years in my home state and to plan for a future where we’ll continue being a force for truth for American agriculture,” says President Sue McCrum.
Speakers include:
· Walter Whitcomb, Commissioner of Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation
· Ann LePage, First Lady of Maine
· Karen Worester of Worcester Wreaths and executive director of Wreaths Across America
· Marge Kilkelly, senior policy advisor for U.S. Senator Angus King
· John Rebar, executive director of the Maine Extension Service
· Kathy Day, a nurse and patient safety activist and advocate
Tours include visits to Pineland Farms, a 5,000-acre working farm and educational center; Green Thumb Farms, a 2,200-acre potato, corn and grass farm; Curran Co., which specializes in fresh-cut vegetables; Allagash Brewing Co., one of New England’s original Belgian-style breweries; and ImmuCell Corp., an animal healthcare company.
The organization had its first coalition meeting in 1974 and its chartering meeting in 1975. Today, AAW is made up of more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliates.
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American Agri-Women promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and mineral supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers; advocate for agriculture; and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information and to join,www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/ and Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag).