Me. Farm Bureau News
 
 
December 23, 2020
 
 
In This Issue
 
 
  • Co-Presidents’ Message
  • Legislative Update
  • MEFB Committee Updates
  • AFBF Update
  • Give the Gift of Membership
 
Co-Presidents’ Message
Merry Christmas from Co-Presidents Hammond and Harker!
 
You know winter is here when we start plowing snow…..and when the legislature convenes! What we feel MFB does best is represent you and advocate for you. We have many friends in the legislature, and we know that all legislators are well intentioned. The value we bring is to educate and inform legislators about agriculture, especially when bills are proposed where the legislator does not recognize the impact the bill may have on farmers livelihoods. Julie Ann’s and your testimonies are critical.
 
We hope that you are continuing to thrive during the COVID Crisis, and if you are having troubles, that you reach out to someone for help. We are here if you need us, and it appears that more and more resources are coming available to get through this next year.
 
Merry Christmas to you and your families, and may God bless and keep you all safe through to the new year.
 
Legislative Update
MEFB Works With Member Legislators to Submit Bills
 
After careful consideration and much discussion, Maine Farm Bureau decided to focus legislative efforts on bills that would likely not have a fiscal note. Here is a list of bills sponsored by Maine Farm Bureau member legislators Read More
Department and Agency Bill Titles Published
 
As we enter the new legislation session, Maine Farm Bureau will again be aggressively taking positions on legislative initiatives that affect farmers and their livelihoods. At this time, most bills have not been written, but titles of some of them are now emerging. That is the case of the bill titles which have been submitted by various state agencies. We are passing on these titles to you, our members, as a heads up on what may emerge as challenges, or opportunities, that may affect our farm businesses.
 
Your Legislative Committee will look at all bills submitted during the session to evaluate their potential impact on our industry, and support those of merit and oppose those of concern. Please don’t be a bystander. If you have strong feeling on bills, please let us know and we will do our best to make sure your voice is heard in Augusta.  Read More
 
Committee Updates
MEFB Directors Set Priorities for 2021
 
The Board of Directors has established committees to work on various projects for the new year. The overall goals are to keep strong legislative advocacy, improve communication with members, help County Farm Bureau chapters weather the COVID pandemic, improve organization management, assist young farmers, and evaluate our building location for improvements. Read More
 
American Farm Bureau Federation
Farm Bureau’s Policy Plate is Full
 
It’s almost curtains for 2020, and what a year it has been! Now that we can put 2020 in the rearview mirror, we also can look ahead to what’s on our plate for 2021.
We started this year with hopes of achieving policy wins on ag labor, regulatory reform, expanding broadband, addressing mental health in rural America, and expanding trade. While those goals have seemed, at times, to be overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and all the crises it brought our way, I’m proud that we still brought home some big wins for farmers and ranchers on our original goals. Read More
 
 
If You Eat Food, You Should be a Member!
 
Please consider giving the gift of membership during this holiday season. Membership dues ensure we can provide substantive advocacy at the State House, support members with education opportunites and, most importantly, work to keep farming in Maine profitable. Whether you grow food or eat food, you are welcome to become a member!