Politics & Co.
Summer is a time to relax for some, but elected officials have been busy and at least one candidate has been pounding the pavement.
Pingree helps get money for farmers seeking certification
Farmers seeking organic certification may be able to get federal money.
Maine will receive $228,000 in cost-share assistance to be used by farmers going through the costly process of getting an organic certification. Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture set aside $13 million for the cost-sharing program, up from $5 million the year before.
Assistance can cover up to 75% of the cost of certification, with a cap at $750.
Organic certification can help farmers get a better price for their products, but also create more supply in stores, says U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who was among the elected officials who sought the funding.
“For small and medium-sized farms, the costs of earning organic certification can be significant. Even if a farmer already uses organic practices, the price can be a barrier,” says Pingree. “It's one of the reforms I fought the hardest for because I knew it would have a powerful impact.”
Ted Quaday, executive director of the Unity-based Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, says the funding will “make a tremendous difference for thousands of organic producers.”
“Certification cost share is a crucial program for organic farmers in Maine and throughout the country,” he adds.
Candidate running — and walking — for office
Shenna Bellows is running for a U.S. Senate seat by walking a mighty long way.
Bellows, a Democrat from Hancock County who is seeking the seat now held by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, will cover by foot the distance from Houlton south to Kittery, 350 miles.
A former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, Bellows say she hopes to stump in 63 spots during her nearly month-long trek across the state.
She's the first to make such a trip since Bangor-born William Cohen, who in 1972 walked 600 miles while campaigning for the 2nd Congressional District seat. He did it “to find out what is on people's minds,” he said at the time. Walking seemed to suit him. He served in the House of Representatives from 1973–79, the U.S. Senate from 1979–97 and was Secretary of Defense in the Clinton Administration.
“I'm in this to win,” Bellows told WAGM-TV. “I really think we need change in Washington when you look at our Maine traditions, you know Bill Cohen wasn't expected to win when he started his walk across Maine in 1972, he was the underdog.”
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