The White House released a memo last week calling for a pause on all federal grants and contracts, and a review of activities including, but not limited to, “financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.” Two days later the memo was rescinded while the underlying executive order from the president remains in place. In short, while we have been granted a reprieve, MOFGA remains alert to another possible effort that could jeopardize federal support for Maine’s farmers.
MOFGA provides federally-funded services that support hundreds of farms who depend on them. Nonprofits around Maine that provide services to farmers and our rural communities are receiving confusing, at times contradictory, information about how the memo’s demands will be carried out.
Regardless of the chaos surrounding the memo and its potential implications, we remain committed to building an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just agricultural system with our members. We’re continuing our work and standing in solidarity with our many partners, and we’ll share updates as we have them.
As we enter a new federal administration and new legislative session here in the State House, MOFGA is grateful to once again be working closely with friends and allies in both chambers and parties of the state Legislature, advocating for policies that support farmers, our rural communities, and a just, thriving food system.
We have been communicating with Maine’s Congressional Delegation urging them to do everything they can to protect the federal grants and loans that provide critical direct support for our farmers. Please take a minute to share your story with your members of Congress.
Tell your federal representatives to support funds for agricultural programs.
