AUGUSTA - On Monday, Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, presented legislation that would make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food at a public hearing before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
LD 2053 would 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 would make it possible for affordable structures, like hoop houses and greenhouses, to be left up year round. The change 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.
"My bill would help make healthy, locally-grown food more available by making a small change to allow for more Mainers to grow their own produce, become a bit more self-sufficient and to do so in a manner that will not break the bank," said Shaw. "Inspired by constituents, this legislation would increase food systems' resilience at a time when it is greatly needed, reduce barriers for more individuals and farmers, and extend our short growing season."
The bill generated community and statewide support at its public hearing, including testimony from the Maine Farmland Trust, GrowSmart Maine, the Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn, the Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District, Auburn residents and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
"Please support this change to help people grow more food everywhere, especially, close to where more people live during our limited growing seasons," said Eric Cousens, planning and permitting director for the City of Auburn. "LD 2053 ... could level the field and make growing healthy food attainable to more homes or farms close to where people live, without endangering public safety."
The resolve faces further action in the coming weeks from the committee, which will make a recommendation on the bill before sending it to the full Legislature for consideration.
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], c. 305-965-2744