“Family Farms Contribute Much To Maine’s Communities And Economy”
Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned how essential Maine agriculture is to our state’s economy and to our communities. I was reminded of this when I recently attended the 2nd Annual Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor. I was impressed by the energy, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit that are making Maine’s small farms a true growth industry.
According to the federal Department of Agriculture, the number of small farms in Maine doubled between 2002 and 2007. Of the nearly 1,000 new farms started during that period, roughly 700 were less than 50 acres in size. Many of our new farmers are in their 40s and 50s, choosing the farming lifestyle after other careers.
The increasing scope of the bounty produced by Maine farms is remarkable, from fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and dairy products to craft beer and wine, gourmet condiments, and beautiful fabrics of alpaca and wool. And every product contains that special “Made in Maine” quality.
Maine farmers also are demonstrating exceptional marketing skills. Direct sales to consumers through farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture organizations, and farm stands have increased by nearly two-thirds in the last decade. All of Maine’s large supermarkets currently sell and actively promote Maine agriculture products. In 1995, Maine had but eight cheese makers and no yogurt producers. Today, those numbers are 71 and 43 respectively.
In the Senate, I worked for policies that advance agriculture and that support family farms. I have long supported research that has, for example, revealed significant health and nutritional benefits of Maine wild blueberries. Last year, I led a successful bipartisan effort to block a proposed federal rule that would have severely curtailed serving the nutritious and affordable white potato in the school lunch program and banned the potato altogether in the school breakfast program. This June, I supported the Senate Farm Bill that eliminates wasteful direct payments, streamlines programs to save $23 billion during the next decade, and supports fruit and vegetable programs as well as local and organic food initiatives.
Pineland Farms, a creamery based in New Gloucester, exemplifies the kind of success stories being written here in Maine. Pineland’s award-winning cheeses have long been known throughout New England for using fresh, local ingredients with skill and pride.
Now, these outstanding products are gaining a national reputation. About a year ago, I met with Pineland managers and suggested that they explore contracting opportunities with the federal government. My office then facilitated a meeting between the company and officials from the Defense Commissary Agency, which administers the retail stores that serve our active duty and retired military personnel and their families.
From that start, Pineland Farms crafted a trial sales program in 24 military commissaries in the Northeast early this year. Recently, it was announced that the trial was very successful and has lead to the distribution of Pineland products in nine additional commissaries throughout the nation. It is exciting to know that the men and women who serve our country will be able to enjoy the best of Maine. This contract not only helps support good jobs in Maine, but also helps provide a gateway for other Maine products to enter the federal marketplace.
When we support our local farms, we do more than support local businesses. We enhance the security of a safe and healthy food supply, keep our hard-earned grocery dollars in state, and protect our environment by preserving open space. Maine farmers are an important part of our state’s history and of our future.
