A legislative committee has endorsed a bill to delay the deadline for reporting the presence of PFAS in products sold in Maine.
Maine agriculture
Businesses ask lawmakers to relax state PFAS ban
They say the new law is well-intentioned but too broad, too aggressive and too costly for them to follow. Environmental groups are calling on state legislators to defend the PFAS law as it stands.
Ranchers and farmers in Maine face bottleneck getting meat products to consumers
Bill in U.S. Senate could make it easier to sell meats locally; owners of a mid-sized ranch offer their views, concerns.
State considers $5.5 million bailout for Maine dairy industry
Over the last 2 years, Maine has lost a quarter of its dairy farms to runaway electricity, fuel and fertilizer costs, and skyrocketing interest rates. Only 161 remain in operation.
Maine lawmakers asked to crack down on ‘grass-fed’ beef label
Farmers say they spend extra time and money raising cattle strictly on grass, and mislabeling cheats them and people who are paying extra for something they’re not getting.
From Maine to California, the solution to sludge disposal is not settled
In fact, the approach in Maine – banning the spread on farmland because of PFAS risks – directly opposes the tack by eco-conscious California. Here’s how the science is evolving.
Ban on pesticides with PFAS feeds concern about unintended impacts
Some Maine farmers, including some of its 300 certified organic farmers, worry they soon won’t be able to defend their crops from pests, said Julie Ann Smith of the Maine Farm Bureau.
New research lab could give Maine an edge in fight against PFAS contamination chemicals
The University of Maine plans to create a lab to support research that could help farmers with contaminated soils and crops.
Wolfe’s Neck Center receives $35 million federal grant to boost climate-smart agriculture
The five-year award will let the group lead a national alliance dedicated to improving soil health.
Rare livestock breeds gain popularity in Maine
Proponents of ‘heritage breeds’ say the animals offer unique genetics that help them to resist heat, to forage and to guard against parasites.