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Food sovereignty discussion Monday evening at The Commons

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Did you know that Maine was the first state in the nation to pass food sovereignty legislation? Do you understand what food sovereignty is and why it’s important? There will be a Heart of Maine: Food Sovereignty Panel on the topic from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Earth Day, Monday, April 22 at The Commons at Central Hall.

L.D. 725, An Act to Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems, was enacted in June 2017. The legislation allows municipalities to regulate food systems, including production, processing, consumption and direct producer-to-consumer exchanges (excluding meat and poultry) – all formerly regulated at the state and federal level.

Since that time, according to localfoodrules.org, 49 Maine communities have adopted ordinance that cut through the red tape standing between food producers and consumers. More small growers have entered the market and seen improved sales; home-baking entrepreneurs in those municipalities no longer need to go through a state licensing process. Without these time-consuming and expensive requirements, more entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities to give products a trial run before deciding when, if and how to grow a hobby into a full-fledged business.

In Piscataquis County, only the town of Parkman has a food sovereignty ordinance, but many people would like to see that change. The Earth Day event offers, “a lively conversation about ways our communities are feeding and caring for each other in a changing climate and uncertain economic times,” said organizers. “Bring your questions about food cupboards, gleaning, permaculture, homesteading and small-scale farming.”

Panelists include: Sam Brown, Dover Dexter Area Towns in Transition; Trisha Smith, UMaine Cooperative Extension; Erin Callaway, Piscataquis Regional Food Center; Courtney Williams and Ryan Clarke, Marr Pond Farm; Andrea Koltai-Price, Helios Horsepower Farm; Benjamin Cookson, Shaw Road Farm; and Carole Boothroyd, chair of the Piscataquis County Democratic Legislation Awareness Committee, who will explain the 2017 Maine Food Sovereignty Act and how municipalities can pass their own Food Sovereignty Ordinance. The final panelist is Steve DeGoosh, a former community planner and university professor now developing a homestead with his wife in Sangerville, using permaculture design principles. Organizers note that one of DeGoosh’s primary reasons for choosing Maine as a place to retire was the Food Sovereignty movement here.
Baked goods and warm beverages will be provided.

For more information, call 343-3018 or email info@centralhallcommons.org.

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