News

Column on Maine Agribusiness
By Rep. Mark Bryant
House District 110, Serving part of Windham and part of Gray

With the snow finally gone and the ice disappearing from our lakes, I can't wait for summer. I love everything about Maine in the summer, from boating to hiking to taking Sunday drives with my family. But most of all, I love the taste of summer.

Nothing beats a meal on the grill, complete with corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. And as convenient as it is to buy vegetables at the grocery store, they just doesn't taste the same as buying produce from a local farm stand.

But like me, you've probably noticed that the number of farm stands has been dwindling over the last few years, even here in our area. The family farm is one of the most important parts of our state's heritage, and too many are disappearing from our landscape. It's unfortunate. After all, we even owe the beginnings of our university system to farming, since the University of Maine began as the state's agricultural college.

Farming is more than just a way of life, it's a business that takes a great deal of effort to maintain beyond just plowing, tending and harvesting. In the Legislature, we are committed to helping Maine farms thrive in any way we can. Right, Lower Valley Farm in New Gloucester's Pineland. The Monument file photo

To date, there are a few new laws already enacted that are focused on promoting agribusiness. I was surprised to learn that despite farming's significant contribution to the Maine economy, it currently has no representation on the Maine Tourism Commission. As a result of the new law, the commission will have one member that represents a statewide organization of agriculture producers, and can let agribusiness play a larger role in economic development plans.

Another bill we passed sounds a little odd at first, but when you think it through, it makes sense. We have provided veterinarians with an exemption from serving jury duty. Medical doctors are already given this exemption, and the demand for health care for animals, particularly in rural areas like ours, is just as high. In some towns, there are few large animal vets and closing down for a few days not only puts a strain on the vet's business, but on the community as a whole.

With about a month left to go in the legislative session, we still have a number of bills to consider. One addresses the struggle of dairy farmers, by letting them choose the month they begin receiving payments under the Maine the milk income loss contract.

Since I spend about half my week in Augusta, I am very interested in another farm-related proposal. It would encourage the consumption of Maine farm products at the State House. This only makes sense, and would bolster sales of produce year round.

There's also a bond issue we have yet to consider that would provide $1 million to the Maine Farms for the Future Program, a grant and loan program that provides funds to farmers, primarily for new technology updates. If passed, voters would have their say in providing this important assistance to Maine farms.

Some assistance is also available from the federal government. In February, the Maine Department of Agriculture received nearly $802,000 for the Maine Senior FarmShare program. This gives low-income seniors participating in the program $100 to spend at local farms throughout the growing season, and the food is delivered directly to the seniors. It's a great program that matches the need for nutrition by the elderly with building farm businesses.
Farming has always been the cornerstone of our state's economy. It's part of our heritage, and will be part of our future. In the meantime, I'll see you at the farm stand.

I may be contacted for more information at repmarkbryant@yahoo.com, or through my legislative Web page, www.mainehousedems.org/mbryant.