Strict new state THC limits have also been dropped, but new federal guidelines will still go into effect on Oct. 1.
agriculture
Maine hemp farmers want relaxed THC rules, lower fees
The state wants to change the way it differentiates hemp from marijuana to echo stricter federal guidelines.
Arundel farmer denied aid in ‘forever chemicals’ nightmare
His century-old operation devastated by PFAS contamination, Fred Stone says a federal safety net won’t help him recoup losses.
New hemp rules would raise fees, change calculations for THC thresholds
The state’s proposal would double the per-acre cost for farmers and change the way the psychoactive element of hemp is measured.
Maine hemp farmers fear proposed rule change could cost them their crop
Under the proposed standards, 27% of Mainers farming hemp in 2019 would have tested ‘hot’ for exceeding allowable THC levels in their plants.
Federal funding helps foster ‘regenerative farming’ in central Maine, officials say
A working group of about 20 recommended keeping the funding percentages the same at a Tuesday meeting in Whitefield.
Maine milk producers holding their own in face of changing tastes
The bankruptcy of Dean Foods, the country’s largest milk producer, could have some impact in Maine, where milk production and values have remained relatively stable for the last decade.
Harvest of the Month program gets local food into Maine schools
Marketing program is meant to drive sales of school lunches, give schools assistance purchasing food locally, boost sales for farmers.
Out-of-state hemp now allowed in Maine CBD market
For one month, Maine hemp farmers had the state’s CBD-infused food market to themselves, but a law change has reopened it to out-of-state growers.
Hopes for hemp farm in Whitefield wilt as bank and insurer cut farmers loose
Farming hemp is legal under state and federal law, but many in the banking and insurance industries still consider it too hot to handle.