August 1, 2019
|
Rachel Keidan
In order for farms to continue to provide the economic, environmental, pastoral, recreational, and educational benefits to the state, there must be the land base to support and grow Maine’s food and agricultural economy. The Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Program is an important source of public funding for conservation in Maine. The LMF Program has helped to protect more than 40 farms in Maine, covering nearly 10,000 acres of productive farmland.
In May, Governor Mills announced a bond package proposal that included $30 million to support the LMF Program over three years. MFT supports a bond commitment of $40 million so that the LMF Program can be an effective source of funding for conservation. Unfortunately, the Legislature adjourned in June before voting to send any bond proposals to the ballot this November.
Legislators may return to Augusta this month to consider the LMF bond proposal. Help send the LMF bond to the ballot! Call your legislators this week and tell them that LMF works for ME.