Food is essential to human life, and we all need access to safe, healthy farm products. Keeping it close to home ensures we retain access. 

How a Maine Legislator Can Support Family Farms

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A legislator has several powerful levers—policy, funding, and regulation—to strengthen family farms, especially around PFAS contamination, drought resiliency, and food sovereignty.

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1. Addressing PFAS Contamination
 

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) have become one of the most significant threats to Maine agriculture. Contamination has occurred through sludge spreading, groundwater, and other environmental pathways. Maine has taken national leadership in responding, but the work is ongoing.
 

• Maine’s response includes banning land application of sludge, creating a PFAS Fund, and conducting statewide testing of farms, soils, and water.

• Farmers have been directly affected, with some losing herds, crops, or land use due to contamination. Maine’s agricultural agencies continue to test and support impacted farms.
   

What a legislator can do:
 

• Expand and sustain the PFAS Relief Fund to compensate affected farmers, support income replacement, and fund long‑term monitoring.

• Increase funding for soil and water testing, remediation research, and safe disposal of contaminated materials.

• Support mental health and financial counseling for affected farm families.

• Ensure transparent communication between state agencies and farmers as testing continues.
   

2. Strengthening Drought Resiliency

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• Maine has experienced more frequent and severe droughts in recent years, affecting hay yields, livestock feed, irrigation needs, and crop reliability.
   

Legislative actions that help:
 

• Invest in water infrastructure, including grants or low‑interest loans for on‑farm irrigation, ponds, and water‑capture systems.

• Support soil‑health initiatives (cover crops, composting, rotational grazing) that improve water retention.

• Fund climate‑resilient agriculture programs, including technical assistance through UMaine Extension.

• Expand crop insurance access and emergency relief programs for small farms.
   

3. Advancing Food Sovereignty
 

• Maine is a national leader in food sovereignty, with many towns passing ordinances that give communities more control over local food systems.

• Food sovereignty supports family farms by:

• Strengthening local markets.

• Reducing regulatory burdens for small‑scale producers.

• Encouraging direct sales and community‑based food systems.

 

What a legislator can do:
 

• Protect and expand Maine’s food sovereignty laws, ensuring small producers can sell directly to consumers without unnecessary barriers.

• Support local food infrastructure, such as community kitchens, farmers markets, and small‑scale processing facilities.

• Increase institutional purchasing of Maine‑grown food for schools, hospitals, and state facilities.

• Promote land access programs for new and beginning farmers.