|
Farming is one of
Maine’s oldest traditional industries, an industry
that is not only important to the State’s economy,
but also to its identity. Since the first settlers
came to Maine almost four centuries ago, they have
been tilling the soil and raising livestock, and it
is their legacy that is continued by Maine farmers
today. Farms make up 1.25 million acres in the State
of Maine- acres that are used for open space and
recreation as well as farming. These farms also
provide food for the people of Maine, the nation,
and the world, adding $1.2 billion dollars to the
state’s economy each year.
Because of the nature
of the State’s makeup, the vast majority of farms in
Maine are small family farms. This has important
implications for local economies. Small farms are
often the backbone of a community and their
production and success greatly influence local
economies and quality of life. Their role as a core
component of the social fabric of small communities
and their contribution to the aesthetics of Maine’s
rural landscapes also contribute greatly to non-farm
neighbors. Small farms continued existence,
therefore, is incredibly important to the many small
communities of which they are a part.
The small farms of
Maine are also vital in producing crops that Maine
and the nation have come to depend on. Maine
produces more brown eggs and wild blueberries than
any other place in the world. Within New England, it
ranks second in milk and livestock production. And
it is second in the country in production of maple
syrup and eighth in potatoes. A decrease in
production in any of these, and many other products
would mean a decrease in the local availability of
the fresh, high quality, and nutritious food we have
come to count on from our local farms.
Recently, farmers
experienced a difficult growing season that resulted
in significant agricultural losses due to adverse
weather conditions. In 2004, Aroostook County
experienced production and physical losses to
potatoes due to excessive rain and wet conditions.
There were also significant production losses to
hay, pumpkins, and winter squash in Knox, Lincoln,
and Somerset counties caused by the cold, wet spring
and summer. And, because of last winter’s extremely
cold weather, modest snow cover, and deep frost,
there were abundant production and physical losses
to apples, apple trees, blueberries, and cranberries
in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec,
Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc,
Waldo, Washington, and York counties.
The severe weather
during the 2004 growing season that resulted in crop
loss was confirmed by the USDA Potential Natural
Disaster Damage Assessment Reports received from the
Farm Service Agency Maine State Office. These
reports also documented subsequent economic hardship
for farmers throughout the state of Maine.
Because of the extent
of these agricultural losses due to adverse weather
conditions, I, along with the rest of the Maine
Delegation, submitted a letter in support of a
Secretarial Disaster Determination for Maine
farmers. Such a determination is extremely important
for producers in Maine as they prepare for the 2005
growing season. If approved, Maine farmers would be
eligible for disaster aid for crop losses suffered
during the disaster period.
I strongly believe in
the necessity of this aid – without it, many farmers
may lose any chance they had at a profitable season.
Farmers are already dealing with great hardships and
this recent calamity only adds to their troubles. It
is imperative that we do all we can to keep Maine
farmers financially viable and producing the crops
that so many depend on.
We rely on our local
farmers to bring us fresh produce and continue a
tradition begun by Mainers many years ago. Denying
them help and condemning them to greater economic
hardship and potential financial ruin would be a
tragedy in which we all lose out. Do we really want
to start importing our blueberries from Oregon and
our apples from New York? |
