Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association (MAITCA) is a grassroots program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Our goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society so that they will become citizens who support wise agricultural policies. Agriculture in the Classroom is carried out in each state according to state needs and interests, by individuals representing farm organizations, agribusiness, education, and government.  MAITCA was established in 1987 as an independent, non-profit organization with the participation of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and Maine Farm Bureau. Many Maine agricultural businesses and organizations support the establishment and operation of MAITCA. MAITCA currently promotes the understanding of the food and fiber system in Maine and the nation, by providing information of agricultural concepts to teachers, students, and interested citizens. Our Mission Statement   "To promote the understanding of agriculture and natural resources among students, educators, and the general public" Contact Us   MAITCA Executive Director Willie Sawyer Grenier 28 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: 207.287.5522 Email: maitca@maine.gov Special Thank-you to Our Sponsors   Our 2008 Sponsors PLATINUM ($1,000+)   Countryway Insurance   Maine Potato Board   ME Department of Agriculture   Wild Blueberry Commission   Agway Foundation, Inc.   Maine Agric. in the Classroom Council GOLD ($500 - $999)   Farm Credit of Maine   Maine Dairy Promotion Board   Johnny's Selected Seeds   AgCOM SILVER ($100 - $499)   Washington County SWCD   Farm Family Insurance of Maine   Paris Farmers Union   Maine Aquaculture Association   Maine Farm Days   Patrick McLaughlin Agency   Sharon and Grover Foss   Maine State Pomological Society BRONZE ($50 - $99)   Neil Piper   Pine Tree Holstein Friesian Assn. PEWTER ($1 - $49)   ME Highland Cattle Assn.   NE Vegetable & Berry Growers Our 2007 Sponsors PLATINUM ($1,000+)   Countryway Insurance   Maine Potato Board   ME Department of Agriculture   Wild Blueberry Commission   Agway Foundation, Inc. GOLD ($500 - $999)   Farm Credit of Maine   Maine Dairy Promotion Board   Washington County SWCD   AgCOM   Maine Farm Bureau SILVER ($100 - $499)   Maine Farmers Exchange   Farm Family Insurance of Maine   Paris Farmers Union   Oakhurst Dairy   Maine State Grange   Maine Farm Days   Patrick McLaughlin Agency   Hammond Tractor Company, Union   Sharon and Grover Foss BRONZE ($50 - $99)   Franklin County Farm Bureau   ME Aquaculture Innovation Center   Maine Sheep Breeders   Maine Antique Tractor Club   Franklin County SWCD   Maine Angus Association   ME State Pomological Society   Hemphills, Inc. PEWTER ($1 - $49)   Neil Piper   Wild Blueberry Land   Living Acres   Austin Associates P.A.   Down East RC&D