AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, that would make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food.
"My bill would more easily provide the means for Auburn residents, and Mainers around the state, to grow their own food," said Shaw. "LD 2053 would expand the ability of people to use affordable, plastic structures like hoop houses, low tunnels and other seasonal structures that can significantly increase productivity by extending the growing season."
LD 2053 would exempt buildings used for the cultivation of crops from the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), similar to the current exemptions for buildings storing harvested crops or housing livestock. This change would make it possible for affordable structures, like hoop houses and greenhouses, to be left up year-round. This new exemption would impact Mainers in municipalities with over 4,000 residents and other smaller towns that choose to enforce MUBEC. Additionally, the exemption would not include the cultivation of cannabis.
"LD 2053 would help make growing healthy food attainable to more of our Lewiston community members," said Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, a cosponsor of the bill and Assistant House Majority Leader, at the public hearing. "For those who rely on their own gardens for sustenance, to supplement their grocery store purchases or to grow more culturally-appropriate foods not commonly found in grocery stores, LD 2053 would ensure that they can continue to provide for their families without violating the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code."
The measure received widespread support during a Jan. 22 public hearing. At today's work session, the Maine State Fire Marshal also testified that the proposed changes in the bill would clarify the MUBEC for municipal officials and residents alike.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Shaw is serving her first term in the Maine House representing part of Auburn. A lifelong farmer and president of the Cumberland and Falmouth farmers markets, Shaw serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Shaw, Cloutier], c. 305-965-2744