Congresswoman Chellie Pingree invites MOFGA director to talk about farm policy

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that well-known Maine organic farm leader Russell Libby will testify before a Congressional committee tomorrow as they consider the Farm Bill.

"I can't think of anyone in Maine or in the country who has more first-hand knowledge about how national policy affects local farmers," Pingree said. "Russell represents the deep knowledge and expertise coming from Maine on local and sustainable farming issues."

You can read Russell Libby's testimony here.

Libby, the Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), will testify before the Nutrition Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee about the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

Late last month the Senate Agriculture Committee passed their version of the Farm Bill, which included a number of provisions to support local and organic farms. Those provisions were included in the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act, introduced by Pingree in the House and Senator Sherrod Brown in the Senate.

"We made some good progress in getting the Senate to consider programs that will support smaller farmers and organic farmers and make it easier for consumers to have access to local food," Pingree said. "But now we need to work on the Farm Bill in the House and having Russell testify tomorrow will help bring attention to these issues."

Pingree is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the Nutrition Subcommittee. The hearing will be streamed live at www.agriculture.house.gov.