Press Releases
Pingree Backs Bill to Provide Targeted Pandemic Relief to Maine’s Small Farmers
Washington,
November 20, 2020
Tags:
Food and Agriculture
Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) cosponsored the Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act, also known as the Local Farmer Act, introduced by Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, (D-N.C.). The Local Farmer Act would help the farmers, farms, and families hardest hit by COVID-19 by targeting aid directly to local and regional food producers and markets as they cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s no secret that the pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for Maine’s farmers. Supply chains have shifted at a moment’s notice, not to mention day-to-day challenges with public health precautions and the additional stress of climate change,” said Pingree. “We are far overdue for the federal government to step up and support those who work around the clock to put food on our tables. That’s why I’m proud to support the Local Farmer Act, which would target pandemic aid directly to local and regional producers and markets to make sure they can survive through this pandemic, with a specific nod to farmers of color and minority-owned markets among those hardest hit by the pandemic.” Specifically, the Local Farmer Act would:
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pingree has been an outspoken advocate for the nation’s small to midsize farms to receive targeted economic relief:
Pingree is an organic farmer and a recognized national policy leader on sustainable farming and local agricultural markets. She is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. ###
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