SUN JOURNAL • September 29, 2023
Maine has about 7,600 farms spanning 1.3 million acres and employing around 13,000 workers, which includes about 100 dairy farms and 80,000 head of cattle. We are the top producer in the world for wild blueberries, third highest in the nation for maple syrup, and ranked ninth for potato production. Maine’s farming industry on average contributes $1.38 billion to the state’s overall economy. Yet the rainy weather this summer has some farmers worried, including myself, which is why access to crop insurance and other federally backed programs through the USDA is important. The current Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30 and, unfortunately, the new bill is in jeopardy amid the potential disruptions of a federal government shutdown. There could be immediate effects on the price and supply of milk. I implore Congress to get the Farm Bill passed. ~ Sen. Russell Black (R), Franklin, Kennebec and Somerset counties