Farmer Autonomy, Consumer Choice and Science-based Regulation
April 6, 2014 – MOFGA supports collaboration within the agricultural community to identify and create a food system that is not only safe, but also allows farmers to meet the demand for local foods without excessive government regulation. This position statement is intended to clarify MOFGA’s policy on farmer and consumer market autonomy in relation to the public’s need for predictably safe food.
Food Safety – Testimony of Russell Libby
May 8, 2012 – Testimony of Russell Libby, Executive Director, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, before the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Horticulture, Agriculture Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
“Small Changes Make Big Differences on the Ground”
Global Climate Change
March 20, 2009 – The MOFGA Board of Directors is deeply concerned about human contributions to global climate change. Agriculture that is practiced in harmony with natural systems and that preserves biodiversity reduces human impact on the environment. Sustainable organic agriculture is a powerful tool in the struggle against global climate change.
National Animal Identification System – NAIS
March 12, 2009 – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) strongly opposes the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The program proposes that livestock farmers register their premises, identify all newborn animals and flocks, and track movements of new animals from one owner to another. It is intended to cover every place where farmers keep livestock – from huge feedlots and confinement dairies with 20,000 animals or more, to small backyards where families keep three chickens to produce fresh eggs for themselves.
Free Trade
January 28, 2009 – This policy was developed by the MOFGA-El Salvador Sistering Committee – a group committed to solidarity between MOFGA in Maine and CCR/CORDES in El Salvador. At the time that this policy was drafted, farmers in El Salvador and in other Central and South American countries were protesting the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) agreement. These proposed agreements would extend the principles of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the countries of Central America, and the countries of South and Central America, respectively.
Support For Organic Farming Worldwide
June 4, 2007 – At its meeting on June 4, 2007, MOFGA’s Board of Directors passed the following resolution:
MOFGA supports sustainable, organic farming regardless of geographic boundaries. Recognizing our interdependence, MOFGA is committed to building relationships, when appropriate, with farmers and movements who share our mission. Fostering such solidarity benefits Maine farmers and consumers.
Genetically Engineered Organisms in Agriculture
April 9, 2006 – In April 2006, MOFGA articulated a clear position opposing the use of genetically engineered (GE) organisms in agriculture.
Sewage Sludge Application on Land
October 19, 2003 – After several months of investigation and discussion, MOFGA’s Public Policy has developed a revised policy on sludge, which was approved by the Board of Directors on October 19, 2003. MOFGA’s previous policy, incorporated in its certification standards, banned use of sludge on certified cropland, but did not address the issue of land application of sludge generally.
