Committee backs Sen. Brenner to support Maine farmers impacted by federal cuts and natural disasters

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, April 29, the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee approved LD 1605, “An Act to Support Farmers Affected by Federal Funding Cuts and Natural Disasters,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough. This bill would support Maine farmers during times of financial crisis brought on by increasingly erratic and extreme weather and the uncertainty of federal support.

“As a farmer, I know the challenges small producers face getting their products to consumers. This bill about giving our farms the tools they need to thrive,” said Sen. Brenner. “This is a smart targeted investment in rural resilience, food security and the future of Maine’s agriculture. We must make it easier for farmers to get access to resources and grow their businesses.”

Amended from the original version, the committee amendment to LD 1605 proposed by Sen. Brenner allows the State’s Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) to be used to respond to the loss of federal grants or loans and to recover from a natural disaster. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the AMLF currently “provides financing to help Maine agricultural businesses undertake projects to enhance the viability and vitality of the farm, and improve the manufacturing, marketability and production of their products.”

While these projects are currently limited to expenditures like purchasing equipment or renovating structures, LD 1605 as amended would expand the use of the fund to assist with the loss of federal grants or natural disaster recovery. Currently, many Maine farmers are being impacted by federal cuts, and, in recent years, have weathered severe financial losses because of extreme weather.

LD 1605 now faces votes in the Senate and House.

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