AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, that will make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills last week.
LD 2053 will exempt buildings used for the cultivation of crops from the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), similar to current exemptions that permit buildings for housing livestock or storing harvested crops. This will make it possible for affordable structures, like hoop houses and greenhouses, to be left up year round. The change will impact Mainers in municipalities with over 4,000 residents and other smaller towns that choose to enforce MUBEC. Additionally, the exemption does not include the cultivation of cannabis.
"My bill will help make healthy, locally-grown food more available and allow more Mainers to grow their own food in a manner that won't break the bank," said Shaw. "This legislation will reduce barriers for individuals and farmers in more urban areas and help extend our short growing season."
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
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 Legislatures Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Shaw], c. 305-965-2744