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Maine is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful
states in our nation. Our diverse ecosystems ranging
from coastal zones to forests to rivers to open
fields all contribute to the state’s natural
magnificence and make it a joy to visit and a
wonderful place to live. Unfortunately, many of our
great natural resources are threatened. For example,
the state is at risk of losing its once abundant
farmland and we must do all that is in our power to
preserve this pivotal piece of Maine’s heritage and
innate beauty.
Farmland preservation is becoming an increasingly
critical issue as the threat of sprawl and
development continue to consume what once was
Maine’s vast farm acreage. Ironically, the increased
development and sprawl that takes over our farmland
occurs partly because more and more people want to
enjoy Maine’s natural beauty. But the loss of
farmland is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
From 1991 to 2001, for example, Maine lost 160,000
acres of farmland.
Preserving Maine farmland is essential, not just
for continuing tradition but also because Maine
farms add substantially to the state’s economy. The
agricultural industry employs 65,000 people and
agricultural producers and processors contribute
over 1.2 billion dollars to Maine’s economy
annually. Agriculture is also one of the primary
forms of wealth creation and economic development in
the state.
Farms and farmland also contribute greatly to
healthy communities by supplying locally grown
produce and providing open spaces. Many people in
Maine enjoy living in small communities in proximity
to small family farms and actively cultivate a
relationship with local growers. They enjoy the
environmental benefits provided by farms and the
ways in which local farms can bring entire
communities together. Indeed, farms are a source of
identity for some communities.
Regardless of its myriad benefits, however,
farmland in Maine is rapidly being lost. The problem
is that as development increases, prices for land
are driven up and it becomes difficult for farmers
to afford to buy land. Increased residential and
commercial development is therefore diminishing
available agricultural land. And prime farmland is a
non-renewable resource that we should protect from
conversion to non-agricultural uses.
Fortunately, there are programs within our state
devoted to preserving farmland and making sure that
farming remains a viable economic activity in our
state. The Land for Maine's Future Program (LMFP)
was enacted to acquire land and land easements to
protect important conservation areas, water access,
outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and
farmland. Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), organized in
1999 and headquartered in Bucksport, is a nonprofit
land trust that works to preserve and protect
farmland through agricultural conservation
easements.
A recent victory in farmland protection is
Meserve Farm, located in western Scarborough. This
430-acre farm is one of the largest privately owned
parcels in the greater Portland area and it will now
be permanently protected as a farm. I firmly believe
that the final assurance that Meserve Farm, with its
rich diversity of wetlands, agricultural fields, and
wood habitats, will be protected is a true
accomplishment and a step in the right direction of
farmland preservation.
Maine's open fields complement the forests,
lakes, coastlines and mountains that compose its
scenic vistas. This beauty enhances the quality of
life of Maine residents while at the same time
attracting tourists, businesses, and residents. With
spreading development and changing land uses,
however, Maine is at risk of losing many of the
natural landscapes that residents cherish and that
are so important to our natural and cultural
traditions and economic vitality. We must strive to
protect farmland, our bucolic landscapes, and our
agricultural heritage for future generations of
Mainers.
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