Maine Governor Meets with MOFGA Representatives

On June 8, Governor Baldacci hosted a small meeting of MOFGA representatives (John Bunker, Spencer Aitel, Sharon Tisher and Russell Libby) and Department of Agriculture officials (Commissioner Robert Spear, Deputy Commissioner Ned Porter) to discuss possibilities for organic agriculture in Maine. While organic isn't a new idea for Governor Baldacci, who has attended the Common Ground Country Fair on a number of occasions, this was the first time MOFGA has met formally with a Maine Governor to discuss agricultural policy issues.

We seemed to agree considerably on two major subjects. The Governor and the Commissioner both agreed that organic is becoming a substantial force within Maine agriculture, and that it makes sense for the Department to be helping us to work with farmers who otherwise might be reluctant to talk directly with MOFGA about organic options. This might include farmers in Aroostook who could potentially grow organic grains. Another target audience would be conventional dairy farmers who are uncertain whether the organic market is right for them. Several times the Governor mentioned organic as "part of the solution."

Spencer Aitel, an organic dairy farmer, shared copies of his and his neighbor's milk checks; the organic pay price was almost double that of the conventional market, after deductions. That made those of us from MOFGA wonder how big a part of the solution organic agriculture could possibly be!

Everyone also agreed on the importance of continuing to promote local agriculture. The Governor mentioned Mrs. Baldacci's Local Ag Task Force report as an important step, and her interest in having farmers' markets at rest areas along the Maine Turnpike. We countered with the idea of having a farmers' market at the State House complex. That discussion will continue another day.

The Governor and the Department were more cautious on the subject of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Everyone recognizes the potential for conflict from cross-contamination. The Department is pushing a policy of "coexistence," which essentially says that if your neighbor wants to plant GMOs, you and your neighbor must find a solution. If your goal as an organic farmer is to have uncontaminated seed to plant next year, coexistence might mean non-existence. Sharon Tisher, chair of MOFGA's public policy committee, presented MOFGA's position-that no level of contamination is appropriate for organic farmers or organic consumers. We didn't reach a solution, but the Governor did ask the Commissioner to organize a meeting late this fall to see how to move forward on this issue.

MOFGA also very strongly opposed the Department's letter to communities saying that local ordinances on GMOs potentially conflict with Maine's Right to Farm law. That discussion, too, will continue.

John Bunker, MOFGA's president, concluded the gathering on a note that everyone agreed upon: Both conventional and organic farmers have the same fundamental values in common, and MOFGA is committed to continuing positive relationships with conventional farmers, from whom we expect many future conversions to organic.

--Russell Libby