Mainers from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Present Senator Collins with Award for Agriculture Advocacy

Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins and Mainers from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Click HERE for b-roll of Senator Collins and Mainers from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins discussed a range of agriculture issues with a group of Mainers from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s (NSAC) member organizations, including Maine Farmland Trust, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Coastal Enterprises, Inc.  The group presented Senator Collins with an award recognizing her efforts to secure sustainable agriculture provisions in the Farm Bill and her work to champion agriculture priorities as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  

“Our agriculture industry is an integral part of our economy and continues to be the lifeblood of many rural communities.” said Senator Collins.  “These dedicated Maine groups were an invaluable resource throughout the Farm Bill process, helping to identify the most pressing needs of Maine farmers and providing critical expertise and data on countless agriculture issues. I am honored to receive this award from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside these organizations to support our state’s exciting growth in this area.”  

The Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes a number of provisions Senator Collins authored that will strengthen Maine farms, such as fostering the next generation of farmers, promoting research of organic products and innovative practices, and supporting marketing efforts to increase demand for locally grown products.

NSAC is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy that contributes to the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.  NSAC member groups support small and mid-size family farms, protect natural resources, promote healthy rural communities, and ensure access to healthy and nutritious foods.

The meeting participants included Ellen Griswold of Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), Heather Spalding of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Laura Buxbaum and Amy Winston of Coastal Enterprises Inc., (CEI).