ChrisDixon
11-22-2011, 10:29 AM
http://maine.tenthamendmentcenter.com/the-fight-for-food-freedom/
On March 5, 2011, the town of Sedgwick became the first Maine town to pass a “Food Sovereignty Ordinance”, declaring the right to grow and sell food locally without the burden of excessive regulations. Since then, four other towns (Blue Hill, Penobscot, Trenton, and Hope) have followed in standing up for food freedom. The State however, despite ongoing rhetoric from politicians about cutting regulations and protecting jobs, issued a letter on April 6th to all towns who had passed or were actively considering the ordinance. The letter warned that if persons failed to comply with the regulations of the state, products would forcefully be removed and they would be fined.
On November 9th, the State followed through on that promise. Dan Brown, a farmer in Blue Hill, was delivered a summons from the State of Maine and Agriculture Commissioner Walter Whitcomb. Blue Hill voted on April 4th to pass the Food Sovereignty Ordinance and Mr. Brown had been acting in compliance with it. Now, the five towns face a battle for food freedom that could send ripple effects across the country, as other towns consider the same ordinance. If the State wins this battle, government wins over the freedom of local agriculture. We must all stand with Mr. Brown and the town of Blue Hill, for freedom and for Maine agriculture.
For more information, including articles, links, and video, check out the link above.
On March 5, 2011, the town of Sedgwick became the first Maine town to pass a “Food Sovereignty Ordinance”, declaring the right to grow and sell food locally without the burden of excessive regulations. Since then, four other towns (Blue Hill, Penobscot, Trenton, and Hope) have followed in standing up for food freedom. The State however, despite ongoing rhetoric from politicians about cutting regulations and protecting jobs, issued a letter on April 6th to all towns who had passed or were actively considering the ordinance. The letter warned that if persons failed to comply with the regulations of the state, products would forcefully be removed and they would be fined.
On November 9th, the State followed through on that promise. Dan Brown, a farmer in Blue Hill, was delivered a summons from the State of Maine and Agriculture Commissioner Walter Whitcomb. Blue Hill voted on April 4th to pass the Food Sovereignty Ordinance and Mr. Brown had been acting in compliance with it. Now, the five towns face a battle for food freedom that could send ripple effects across the country, as other towns consider the same ordinance. If the State wins this battle, government wins over the freedom of local agriculture. We must all stand with Mr. Brown and the town of Blue Hill, for freedom and for Maine agriculture.
For more information, including articles, links, and video, check out the link above.