The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has plans at the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show for a Listening Post, a hub for mentorship, connection, and business support.

Located on the first floor near the main lobby of the Augusta Civic Center (Franklin Room), the Listening Post will serve as a welcoming space where farmers, food businesses, and service providers can learn from one another, build relationships, and connect to practical resources.

A hub for learning, mentorship, and hospitality

Throughout the Maine Agricultural Trades Show, the Listening Post will feature:

• Business advising appointments – Attendees can reserve one-on-one advising sessions in advance or find a drop-in appointment during the show. Advisors can assist with farm business planning, marketing, financing, value-added products, how to join a farmers’ market, using the Real Maine promotional program, and other related services. Sessions will take place in the Franklin Room, located on the first floor near the lobby, beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
• Daily meet-and-greet “listening session” roundtables – Held each day at 12:00 p.m. (noon), these roundtable conversations connect farmers, food and forest product entrepreneurs, and the many organizations that support Maine agriculture. Participants can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from peers and potential mentors.
• Hospitality and gathering areas – Visitors are invited to sit down, enjoy light refreshments, and use the tables throughout the venue to relax or enjoy their on-site food and beverages from the Maine Farm Ingredients Food Truck Showcase.
• Resource tables and contact lists – Attendees will find information sheets, contact lists, and program details to help their farm or food business long after the show ends.
• Listening Post updates all year – Show visitors can sign up to receive Listening Post updates and stay connected to advising services, workshops, and other resources throughout the year.
• Visit the Maine Mobile Health Program booth and pop-up clinic. Learn about primary care resources and services for farm workers in Maine. Have your blood pressure and weight checked. Manage stress. PFAS blood testing for pre-approved individuals.

How to reserve a business advising appointment

Business advising appointments can be booked in advance online.

To schedule:

1. Open the business advising service menu for the Maine Agricultural Trades Show Listening Post.
2. Click the “Show More Services” button and choose the service that best fits your needs from the full menu.
3. Choose an available date and time — appointments begin Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
4. Enter your contact information (name, phone, email) and any notes.
5. Confirm the booking and choose to reserve additional services.
6. Watch for confirmation and reminder emails about your appointment.
7. On the day of your appointment, arrive at the Franklin Room five minutes early and look for Listening Post – Business Advising signs on the first floor, near the main lobby. 

Planning to Attend

There is no admission fee to attend the show. Please check the conference listings for any pre-registration and course fee requirements. Full session schedules and registration information are available at: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow.

About the Maine Agricultural Trades Show

The Maine Agricultural Trades Show, hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, is the state’s largest annual agricultural gathering, featuring educational programming, industry meetings, a large commercial trade show floor, youth leadership activities, and networking opportunities that connect farmers, foresters, food producers, and policymakers to advance Maine’s working lands and food economy.