Sen. Brenner introduces bill to support Maine farmers impacted by federal cuts

AUGUSTA — Today, Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, introduced a bill to support Maine farmers during times of financial crisis. LD 1605, “An Act to Support Farmers and Food Banks Affected by Federal Funding Cuts to Their Existing Contracts,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Sen. Brenner introduced a sponsor amendment to the bill that would modify the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund which, allowing for low-interest loans be granted to farmers for two critical uses: first, to respond to the loss of federal grants or loans and, second, to recover losses in the event of a disaster.

“An investment in Maine farms is a win for economic development and a win for food security in our communities,” stated Sen. Stacy Brenner. “Farmers across Maine are facing unprecedented challenges — from increasingly erratic and extreme weather to the uncertainty of federal support. When USDA funding is cut or delayed, the impacts can ripple through an entire season — or even force a farm to close its doors forever. This bill provides farmers with a trusted tool and gives them support to recover, to rebuild, and to continue feeding our communities.”

“We recognizing LD 1605’s vital role in addressing the pressing challenges facing Maine’s agricultural industry,” said Megan Patterson in supporting testimony on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Our department has directly witnessed the significant strain that recent sudden federal funding reductions and retractions have placed on Maine’s agricultural community and food security networks. This legislation offers crucial bridge funding to maintain the stability of Maine’s farming operations and food distribution systems.”

Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture has announced multiple cancellations or frozen payments to farmers across the state. The Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment in Cumberland County has confirmed it has lost $35 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture which was under contract from 2023-2028 under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant.

The bill faces a work session and further action in committee.