Topsham’s Bickford honored for work in dairy industry

AUGUSTA – Longtime Maine Dairy Industry Association Executive Director Julie-Marie Bickford is the recipient of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry 2020 Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award.
A Topsham resident, Bickford received the award at the Jan. 14 DACF Commissioner’s Luncheon, held during the opening day of the 79th annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show.
Amanda Beal, DACF commissioner, presented the award and recognized Bickford in front of an audience including Gov. Janet Mills, representatives of all four Congressional offices, state legislators, past DACF commissioners, and more than 300 friends of Maine agriculture.
“Our dairy industry would not be what it is today without Julie-Marie’s guidance and innumerable hours of devotion,” said Beal. “From playing a key role in establishing the Maine Dairy Stabilization Program (also known as the “Tier” program), to advocating on the federal level to improve the Federal Order pricing system, to just being there and being a voice for our dairy farmers, whenever and wherever she’s needed, Julie-Marie’s contributions are many.”
The Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to individuals making significant contributions to Maine’s agricultural industry. Bickford was selected because of her nearly 20 years of advocating for our dairy industry and her constant and steady support of agriculture in Maine.
Bickford grew up in northern Maine in an active agricultural community whose dominant crops were potatoes, broccoli and grains. Though she didn’t grow up on a farm, she will assure you that you can’t be from The County and not have a good understanding of agriculture. From hand-picking potatoes, to scooping Houlton Farms ice cream, Bickford learned the value of hard work and the importance of supporting local farmers.
She was elected to the Maine Legislature in 1992, representing her hometown of Caribou, and served two terms in the House of Representatives. She later served as a State Office Assistant to US Senator William Cohen and then US Senator Olympia Snowe.
These, and other experiences, positioned Bickford to be a powerful advocate for Maine’s dairy farmers when she stepped into the role with MDIA, first as a consultant, and later as Executive Director. MDIA has seen significant growth in both the scope and magnitude of activities and participation in the Maine agricultural and governmental communities since first hiring Bickford. In addition, she is active in monitoring and being a resource to numerous agencies and commissions, and also represents MDIA on the University of Maine’s Board of Agriculture and AgCOM, where she is currently serving as president.