AUGUSTA – Dozens of workshops, demonstrations, displays and meetings will be held next week during the 61st annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show. The event is held each January to allow farmers, growers and processors to network, recertify and update themselves on the latest technology.

It also provides the general public with a peek at the best Maine grows, harvests and produces, from blueberry jam to high-quality beef.

Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, the three-day show will be held at the Augusta Civic Center and offers something for everyone – from Christmas tree growers, to beekeepers, to fertilizer manufacturers.

The public can explore 100 booths and displays offering information on all aspects of agriculture, from raising livestock to participation in the Maine State Grange. On display and for sale will be hundreds of agriculture products grown, processed and marketed in Maine.

Gov. Angus King will be the keynote speaker at the opening-day Commissioner’s Luncheon.

Agriculture Commissioner Robert Spear said Wednesday that as he traveled around the state last year, labor issues continued to be one of the most pressing concerns of producers. “We have tried to build the trade show around some of those labor issues,” he said

Throughout the three-day event, workshops will focus on ways to find, attract and keep labor on the farm.

The department has invited several speakers to address the issues of labor shortages in the farming community. A number of farmers have found nontraditional sources of help, and representatives from those agencies will be present to provide information. Discussions will center on apprentices, student exchange programs and private employment services.

“There will also be lots of vendors and displays,” said Spear. “All of our exhibitors space has sold out. There is a lot of interest in agriculture.”

The show opens at 9 a.m. each day. It closes at 6 p.m. Tuesday; 8 p.m. Wednesday and 3 p.m. Thursday.

Tuesday’s events, which are geared specifically toward producers and growers, include recertification training sessions for licensed pesticide applicators, workshops on the management of weeds, flies and army worms, the kickoff meeting for Farm Days 2002, and gatherings of Maine Agriculture in the Classroom, Maine Christmas Tree Association, Maine Deer and Elk Farmers Association, Maine Milk Commission, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

Wednesday’s events are centered on livestock management and production, horticulture, small vegetable farming and small woodlot production.

Thursday’s workshops will focus on cranberry growers and maple syrup and pork producers.

A complete schedule of workshops and meetings can be found at www.getrealmaine.com.