They showed up, on their tractors, to protest millions in cuts to federal grants, canceled support for school lunches and the termination of 20% of USDA workers who support Maine’s farmers.
agriculture
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers consider $10M bailout for Fairfield water crisis
A bill would expand the public water system to Fairfield residents whose private wells have been contaminated by toxic forever chemicals from the state’s former agricultural sludge-spreading program.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
King-backed bill would force USDA to pay farmers’ federal contracts
Despite a judge’s orders and the Trump administration’s promise to release the funding, farmers across the country, including in Maine, are still waiting for millions in federal reimbursements for agricultural conservation projects.
Posted inAnimals, Local & State, News
Like egg prices, demand for chicks is up this year
Across Maine, and much of the country, a rise in egg prices and anxieties — over avian flu, price stability, trade — has fueled a similar increase in demand for backyard chicks.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine Climate Council says it’s ‘not all doom and gloom’ amid concerns about federal cuts
The council working to achieve state goals to reduce climate change emissions says it is still on track despite some funding disruptions.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine makes first purchase of farm contaminated by forever chemicals
The state tapped its PFAS relief fund to spend $333,000 to buy a Palermo hay field where sewage sludge was once spread as fertilizer that tested 3 times above the state’s recommended level for safe dairy forage.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine lawmaker wants state to help farmers affected by federal funding freeze
A proposed bill would create a state-funded no-interest loan program for Maine farmers whose federal contracts are frozen by the Trump administration.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Central Maine farmers left in limbo by federal funding freeze
Despite having signed government contracts, farmers who have spent money on projects to conserve soil, water and power have been told they cannot get reimbursed until USDA programs and policies are reviewed by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, New England, News, Politics
Maine’s maple syrup industry could get boost from federal legislation
Sens. Collins and King are supporting the MAPLE and SAP acts to promote U.S. maple syrup producers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine body movement expert teaches farmworkers how to avoid injury
Freeport-based consultant Cynthia Flores helps farmers and their employees reduce injuries that cost the U.S. about $11.3 billion annually.