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Local Food: Ordinances & Issues Archive
In our mission as your community information service to help readers stay abreast of the issues regarding local food ordinances and issues, we have created this special archive. It will be updated regularly as we publish more on this topic.
Early in 2011, some area towns began to discuss a Local Food and Community Self-governance Ordinance aimed at preempting state law to allow direct sales of farm products from a producer to a willing consumer without license. The ordinance eventually passed in Blue Hill, Penobscot and Sedgwick through the town meeting process. It did not pass in Brooksville. The ordinance was quickly deemed to be in conflict with state law, evidenced in a letter sent from the State’s Agricultural Department to those towns that passed the ordinance.
Late in 2011, a Blue Hill farmer, Dan Brown of Gravelwood Farm, was cited for violating the state’s licensure requirements as they relate to food and raw milk sales. The sales, which are believed to be in accordance with the local foods ordinance, are currently the basis for the state’s lawsuit against Brown.
Articles
Augusta
- Department of Agriculture to towns: state law preempts local food rules
Castine Patriot, 5/12/11
- Kumiega to offer bills related to local food production
Community News, 3/17/11
Blue Hill
- Response to “Farmer Brown” suit filed
The Weekly Packet, 2/27/12
- Bacteria levels become an issue in the raw milk debate
The Weekly Packet, 2/3/12
- On-line petition asks LePage to drop “Farmer Brown” suit
The Weekly Packet, 1/6/12
- Response in “Farmer Brown” case delayed, petition seeks to show support
The Weekly Packet, 1/6/12
- ‘Farmer Brown’ lawyer says settlement with state unlikely
The Weekly Packet, 12/22/11
- “Farmer Brown” lawsuit prompts discussions, disagreement
The Weekly Packet, 12/1/11
- Local foods dispute thrusts Blue Hill farmer into national spotlight
The Weekly Packet, 11/23/11
- Understanding the legal layers of the “Farmer Brown” case
The Weekly Packet, 11/23/11
- Blue Hill farmer faces lawsuit for sale of milk and food products without license
The Weekly Packet, 11/18/11
- “A voice for us, far away from here”: Rep. Michaud visits grange to talk local farms, food
Castine Patriot, 10/27/11
- Blue Hill voters spend $6 million in a few short hours
The Weekly Packet, 4/7/11
- Blue Hill faces vote on ordinances, salt/sand shed and sewer extension
The Weekly Packet, 3/24/11
- Blue Hill voters preview town meeting business
The Weekly Packet, 3/17/11
- Local food ordinance aims to protect direct-to-consumer sales
Community News, 2/24/11
Brooksville
- Brooksville referendum results to stand—for now
The Weekly Packet, 3/24/11
- Two of three ordinances defeated in otherwise routine town meeting
The Weekly Packet, 3/10/11
- Ordinances and fire truck proposal to break routine at annual meeting
The Weekly Packet, 3/3/11
- Brooksville voters discuss ordinances heading for referendum vote
The Weekly Packet, 2/24/11
- “No” says Brooksville committee to ordinances heading for March vote
The Weekly Packet, 2/10/11
Penobscot
- Passage of local food ordinance highlights Penobscot town meeting
Castine Patriot, 3/10/11
- Residents invited to participate in elections and voice opinions
Castine Patriot, 3/3/11
- Townspeople discuss proposed food ordinance in Penobscot
Castine Patriot, 2/17/11
Sedgwick
- Committee urges support of local food sovereignty ordinance
The Weekly Packet, 1/12/12
- Voters turn out to approve two ordinances, all but one request
The Weekly Packet, 3/10/11
- Sedgwick voters to consider two ordinances in 78-article warrant at town meeting
The Weekly Packet, 2/24/11
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