Food and Agriculture

Two Democrats and two Republicans offer bill to protect centuries-old practice Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and three of her House colleagues have introduced a bill that would prevent federal regulators from imposing harsh new rules on a centuries old practice of brewers giving the spent grain from the brewing process to local farmers. In October 2013, the Food and Drug… Read more »

Says regulations "absurd"; FDA chief promises "reasonable solution" Congresswoman Chellie Pingree questioned the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today about a proposed rule that would end a longtime arrangement between beer brewers and farmers that allows spent grain used in the brewing process to be utilized as cattle and pig feed. Pingree challenged Dr. Margaret… Read more »

Bipartisan Coalition of 20 Lawmakers Introduces Legislation to Improve Consumer Choice and Protect Local Farmers. Congressman Massie (R–KY), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D–ME) and a bipartisan coalition of 18 other lawmakers have introduced legislation to improve consumer food choices and to protect local farmers from federal interference. The two bills – the… Read more »

Says regulations "absurd"; FDA chief promises "reasonable solution" Congresswoman Chellie Pingree questioned the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today about a proposed rule that would end a longtime arrangement between beer brewers and farmers that allows spent grain used in the brewing process to be utilized as cattle and pig feed. Pingree challenged Dr. Margaret… Read more »

Over 17,000 seniors take advantage of program in Maine; uncertainty had threatened this season's benefits Just hours after Congresswoman Chellie Pingree on Friday asked a top Obama Administration official about funding for a program to pay for vouchers that seniors in Maine and around the country can use to buy fresh food fromfarmers and farmers markets, the US Department of… Read more »

Watch LIVE as Chellie talks about the need to reform national policy--and what's at stake if we don't--at TedxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat.  She will speak between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1. Read more »

Menu includes food from small and family farms in 13 states Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said that trout from Maine will be featured as part of the state dinner for French President François Hollande at the White House tonight. The hardwood-smoked trout will be served during cocktail hour in a dinner that features food from small and family farms around the country. "I'm… Read more »

Menu includes food from small and family farms in 13 states Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said that trout from Maine will be featured as part of the state dinner for French President François Hollande at the White House tonight. The hardwood-smoked trout will be served during cocktail hour in a dinner that features food from small and family farms around the country. "I'm… Read more »

Policies to promote local and sustainable agriculture good for economy, local farmers, and consumers Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the Farm Bill that passed the Senate today contains numerous provisions that she authored and championed to promote local agriculture, sustainable farming, and help young farmers. Among the provisions included in the Farm Bill that Pingree… Read more »

Food stamps cut, subsidy reforms fall short, but local food provisions survive Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted against the Farm Bill today, saying the bill cuts food stamps for the neediest families, doesn't do enough to create real reform to crop subsidy programs and creates loopholes that guarantee income for big agri-businesses. The final version of the bill passed by the House… Read more »