Maine ag chief endorses national climate policy
Courtesy / Maine’s Climate Future (2015), University of Maine
This chart depicts the number of days per year with the heat index at or over 95 degrees Farenheit in the 2000s, and the expected numbers in the 2050s.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal endorsed a national policy that encourages climate-smart agriculture programs and initiatives at the federal level and confirms the necessity of adapting to protect the country’s natural resources, while building resilient agricultural and food supply chains.
Beal was among state agriculture department heads from throughout the U.S. who adopted the new climate policy during last week’s annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in Albuquerque, N.M., according to a news release.
“Agriculture and our overall food system play an important role in climate change discussions,” Beal said in the release. “Passing this policy amendment, which was unanimously endorsed by the Northeastern Association prior to the vote by the full NASDA membership, is about advocating for farmers across the country in a unified voice, many of whom are already practicing climate smart growing techniques.
"Now, more than ever, we must support farming communities by enabling them to access the tools and resources they need to enhance their role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation."
Beal and her fellow members also supported policy amendments aimed at reducing food waste, improving the pricing structure for dairy farmers and encouraging the federal Food and Drug Administration to develop a regulatory framework for hemp production and products derived from hemp.
Policy points
According to the policy, many farmers and ranchers are already using climate-smart strategies to reduce emissions, sequester carbon and improve resiliency. The amendment calls for investment in research, incentive programs for voluntary practices and technical assistance to equip farmers and ranchers with additional options to protect and conserve natural resources through on-farm practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration and adjust to a changing climate.
The policy also calls for advocacy and further outreach to increase policymakers’ and consumers’ awareness of the environmentally sustainable work of farmers and ranchers and the risks of climate change to the agricultural industry and food security.
And the policy encourages the collaboration of governments, corporations and philanthropic communities with state departments of agriculture and local communities to further the establishment and expansion of climate-smart agricultural programs.
In June, Governor Janet Mills signed into law three bills intended to spur renewable energy in Maine, create clean energy jobs and address climate change.
Among their actions, the bills establish the Maine Climate Council, which is charged with developing action plans to reduce Maine greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
Changes in average and extreme weather are affecting Maine agriculture, bringing both risks and potential opportunities, according to the University of Maine’s Maine Climate and Ag Network web page.
Changes include a longer growing season. Late winter/early spring temperature variability has caused early crop development before the last spring freeze date, which has affected some crops. Daily high and overnight temperatures are increasing, which can damage some crops and reduce productivity and health of livestock.
The frequency of extreme precipitation events in Maine has increased, increasing risk of soil erosion, seed loss, soil saturation, flooding and nutrient runoff, and resulting in loss of field-work days.
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