The following Letter to the Editor appeared in today's issue of the Sun Journal:
To the Editor:
Maple syrup season is fast approaching, so no better time than now to grasp an opportunity.
The need to expand Maine’s economy is on everyone’s mind and Rep. Matthew Peterson of Rumford has the right approach with submission of LD 109: “Resolve, To Establish The Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maple Syrup Industry.” LD 109 will help build Maine’s economy through manufacturing, research and development, thus creating less dependence on out-of-state resources.
With the state government’s focus on growing Maine, how better than to expand a market that has an endless demand and shortage of supply?
Maine has more vast resources, determination and capable work force than any state or province. Maine needs to make an investment in the production of natural resources. LD 109 will begin the process.
Chris Botka, Rangeley
http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/986662
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Bell rings for ultimate fighting in Maine
The following article originally appeared in the Portland Press Herald. After passing the bill in 2009, it's exciting to finally see events being scheduled. My sincerest thanks to all of the members of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine for all of their hard work over the past 13 months to make this happen.
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PORTLAND — Inside a cage of chain-link fence, fighters will try to knock each other out with kicks, punches, wrestling moves and jujitsu.
Mixed martial arts fighting is coming to Maine, nearly two years after the Legislature legalized it.
The Maine Mixed Martial Arts Authority, which spent the past year developing rules to govern the sport, announced Wednesday that it has sanctioned two events, both in Portland.
The first will be held April 30 at the Stevens Avenue Armory. The second is scheduled for May 6 at the Portland Expo, said Bill Bouffard, chairman of the state authority.
"It took us a while to get rolling," Bouffard said, "but our number one priority was the safety of the fighters. As brutal as the sport may seem, it's safer than boxing."
Mixed martial arts fighters try to knock their opponents out or disable them. They can be penalized by the referee for head butting, eye gouging, biting, hair pulling, groin attacks, putting fingers into orifices, or kicking the head of an opponent who is on the floor.
Timidity, including avoiding contact, is also grounds for a penalty.
Professional fights last three rounds; title fights can go five rounds. If both fighters are able to finish, a three-judge panel determines the winner.
In spring 2009, the Legislature legalized mixed martial arts fighting in Maine and created the authority, a five-member volunteer board, to regulate the fights.
Matthew Peterson, a Democratic state representative from Rumford, sponsored the bill, viewing it as a way to spur economic development and boost tourism.
"I've been a lifelong fan of mixed martial arts fighting," Peterson said. "It's the fastest-growing sport in the world and represents a real economic development opportunity for the state."
If the sport catches on in Maine, Bouffard said he would expect to see about two mixed martial arts events a month.
He said the event at the Expo will include a title match between two professionals -- Portland's Paul Gorman and Pedro Gonzalez of Rockport, Mass. Both men fight in the 135-pound division.
Jason Leeman, director of operations for the Brunswick-based Bellum Combat Association, said he hopes to fill the Expo. The building can hold 3,000 people.
"Our goal is to have a sellout crowd," said Leeman, whose firm will market the event and hold a "ring girl" tryout. Ticket prices will range from $40 to $75.
The Massachusetts-based Global Fight League will produce the event, providing video coverage, lighting, staffing, big-screen televisions and, of course, the cage for the fights.
Bouffard said the state authority determined during the rulemaking process that cage fighting, as opposed to fighting in a boxing ring with ropes, would be safer for the fighters and the audience.
Leeman noted that several Maine athletes have fought outside Maine. Two fighters, Mike Morin of South Portland and Ryan Cowette of Brunswick, will make their Maine debuts on May 6.
Other well-known mixed martial artists from Maine are Marcus Davis of Bangor, who helped get the sport legalized, and Mike Brown, a former champion from Portland.
Bouffard said mixed martial arts can be violent.
"It's not for everybody. But the people who do it are doing it because they have a great passion for the sport," he said.
Bouffard said the April 30 event will be promoted by Cage FX of Massachusetts. The authority, which has not received that fight card, approved the event Wednesday during a meeting in Cape Elizabeth.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at dhoey@pressherald.com.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/bell-rings-for-ultimate-fighting-in-maine_2011-02-10.html
>
PORTLAND — Inside a cage of chain-link fence, fighters will try to knock each other out with kicks, punches, wrestling moves and jujitsu.
Mixed martial arts fighting is coming to Maine, nearly two years after the Legislature legalized it.
The Maine Mixed Martial Arts Authority, which spent the past year developing rules to govern the sport, announced Wednesday that it has sanctioned two events, both in Portland.
The first will be held April 30 at the Stevens Avenue Armory. The second is scheduled for May 6 at the Portland Expo, said Bill Bouffard, chairman of the state authority.
"It took us a while to get rolling," Bouffard said, "but our number one priority was the safety of the fighters. As brutal as the sport may seem, it's safer than boxing."
Mixed martial arts fighters try to knock their opponents out or disable them. They can be penalized by the referee for head butting, eye gouging, biting, hair pulling, groin attacks, putting fingers into orifices, or kicking the head of an opponent who is on the floor.
Timidity, including avoiding contact, is also grounds for a penalty.
Professional fights last three rounds; title fights can go five rounds. If both fighters are able to finish, a three-judge panel determines the winner.
In spring 2009, the Legislature legalized mixed martial arts fighting in Maine and created the authority, a five-member volunteer board, to regulate the fights.
Matthew Peterson, a Democratic state representative from Rumford, sponsored the bill, viewing it as a way to spur economic development and boost tourism.
"I've been a lifelong fan of mixed martial arts fighting," Peterson said. "It's the fastest-growing sport in the world and represents a real economic development opportunity for the state."
If the sport catches on in Maine, Bouffard said he would expect to see about two mixed martial arts events a month.
He said the event at the Expo will include a title match between two professionals -- Portland's Paul Gorman and Pedro Gonzalez of Rockport, Mass. Both men fight in the 135-pound division.
Jason Leeman, director of operations for the Brunswick-based Bellum Combat Association, said he hopes to fill the Expo. The building can hold 3,000 people.
"Our goal is to have a sellout crowd," said Leeman, whose firm will market the event and hold a "ring girl" tryout. Ticket prices will range from $40 to $75.
The Massachusetts-based Global Fight League will produce the event, providing video coverage, lighting, staffing, big-screen televisions and, of course, the cage for the fights.
Bouffard said the state authority determined during the rulemaking process that cage fighting, as opposed to fighting in a boxing ring with ropes, would be safer for the fighters and the audience.
Leeman noted that several Maine athletes have fought outside Maine. Two fighters, Mike Morin of South Portland and Ryan Cowette of Brunswick, will make their Maine debuts on May 6.
Other well-known mixed martial artists from Maine are Marcus Davis of Bangor, who helped get the sport legalized, and Mike Brown, a former champion from Portland.
Bouffard said mixed martial arts can be violent.
"It's not for everybody. But the people who do it are doing it because they have a great passion for the sport," he said.
Bouffard said the April 30 event will be promoted by Cage FX of Massachusetts. The authority, which has not received that fight card, approved the event Wednesday during a meeting in Cape Elizabeth.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at dhoey@pressherald.com.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/bell-rings-for-ultimate-fighting-in-maine_2011-02-10.html
Rumford Hospital to be reimbursed for much of MaineCare costs
The following article appeared in today's issue of the Sun Journal:
By Eileen M. Adams, Staff Writer
Published Feb 10, 2011
RUMFORD — Rumford Hospital Chief Executive Officer John Welsh was pleased that the state is scheduled to begin repaying overdue MaineCare reimbursements, a plan that will provide the local facility with some cash reserves and a chance to replace some critical care equipment.
The hospital is one of three dozen statewide that is scheduled to receive overdue MaineCare funding.
For Rumford, that figure is estimated to be just over $1.9 million, which represents MaineCare funds owed from 2007, 2008 and part of 2009.
“This is a first step. We look forward to working with the Legislature and administration to get the rest,” Welsh said.
He's unsure how much more is owed, but said it is less than the $1.9 million.
The announcement that Maine's hospitals will receive partial MaineCare reimbursements was made through a news release sent from Gov. Paul LePage's office Tuesday evening. It is part of a supplemental state budget.
Rumford Hospital is part of the Central Maine Healthcare. It also includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, which is scheduled to receive $32.6 million, and Bridgton Hospital, which will receive about $4.5 million.
Welsh said the local hospital has been without cash reserves for a couple of years. The 400 employees of Rumford Hospital, Rumford Community Home, and the hospital's practices are currently in a wage freeze.
Whether raises will come about at the end of this fiscal year, which is June 30, is unknown at this time, Welsh said.
Welsh was particularly appreciative of local delegation members, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, and Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford.
“They worked hard and did a great job,” Welsh said.
eadams@sunjournal.com
http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/983955
By Eileen M. Adams, Staff Writer
Published Feb 10, 2011
RUMFORD — Rumford Hospital Chief Executive Officer John Welsh was pleased that the state is scheduled to begin repaying overdue MaineCare reimbursements, a plan that will provide the local facility with some cash reserves and a chance to replace some critical care equipment.
The hospital is one of three dozen statewide that is scheduled to receive overdue MaineCare funding.
For Rumford, that figure is estimated to be just over $1.9 million, which represents MaineCare funds owed from 2007, 2008 and part of 2009.
“This is a first step. We look forward to working with the Legislature and administration to get the rest,” Welsh said.
He's unsure how much more is owed, but said it is less than the $1.9 million.
The announcement that Maine's hospitals will receive partial MaineCare reimbursements was made through a news release sent from Gov. Paul LePage's office Tuesday evening. It is part of a supplemental state budget.
Rumford Hospital is part of the Central Maine Healthcare. It also includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, which is scheduled to receive $32.6 million, and Bridgton Hospital, which will receive about $4.5 million.
Welsh said the local hospital has been without cash reserves for a couple of years. The 400 employees of Rumford Hospital, Rumford Community Home, and the hospital's practices are currently in a wage freeze.
Whether raises will come about at the end of this fiscal year, which is June 30, is unknown at this time, Welsh said.
Welsh was particularly appreciative of local delegation members, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, and Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford.
“They worked hard and did a great job,” Welsh said.
eadams@sunjournal.com
http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/983955
Testimony Presenting LD 109
Today was the Public Hearing for my bill, L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry. This bill was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Below is my testimony presenting LD 109.
Good afternoon, Senator Sherman, Representative Edgecomb and distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. I am Matt Peterson and I represent District 92, which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to present L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.
It is a real privilege for me to present this bill. Last year, I met with a constituent in Rangeley Plantation who has a small commercial maple sugaring operation. He had one question for me -- Why isn’t the State of Maine during more to promote Maine Maple products on a regional, national and international basis? I didn’t have a good answer, so I did a little research -- and as a result, I am proposing this study commission to investigate what appears to be a very promising development and job creation opportunity for Maine’s woods.
I make no special claim to knowledge about forestry of woodlot management, no expertise on food production, nor any depth understanding of agricultural economics or product marketing. I’m just a guy from the Western Maine woods, whose family has worked in the woods for generations and who likes maple syrup on my pancakes on those special occasions that I get them.
Following my conversation, I did start doing some research and here’s what jumped out at me --
• Maine is one of the nation’s top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State.
• Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United State maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50% more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.
• Far and away the largest producer in North America is the Province of Quebec, Maine’s neighbor for much of our northern and western borders.
It looked like an opportunity, but left me with this question -- Given our forest resources, a growing export market for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, what could we do to better utilize this resource to create jobs and revenues for Maine people?
You know better than I what success other Maine producers -- potato farmers, blueberry growers, lobstermen -- have enjoyed as a result of superior product branding and some thoughtful assistance from the state in marketing and product development. I wondered if maple products would not offer another such opportunity for our state.
There were too many questions that I couldn’t answer, but the idea seemed too promising to just leave alone. As a result, I decided to propose a short-term study commission that would look at the information and determine if there was some value in making a major effort in this area. Specifically, I think we need someone that will report back to us about:
• Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar;
• Obstacles to expanded production;
• Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand;
• Value Added Processing potential and its economic implications;
• Increased export marketing potential and its economic implications;
• Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production;
• Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with North America’s largest producer, Quebec, and;
• Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would produce a tangible economic return.
We need jobs in Maine -- and in my part of Maine, where the woods have provided an important livelihood for many families, we are really hurting. Anything we can do to help us grow a sustainable resource-based industry that could employ people in a variety of areas -- is something we should take a hard look at.
I understand that there are obstacles to this bill. To start with, we don’t have any money -- and we certainly don’t have money to spend on studies or schemes if they won’t produce results. That is why we have included language that makes the study dependent upon outside funding for the initiative. Should this initiative be approved, I will begin immediately looking for funds to support the effort -- because I think more Maine jobs are possible by expanding our maple products industry.
I’ve also encountered some questions from a few maple producers. I understand the concern from people who spend a good bit of their time working in the woods and the rest of their time thinking about working in the woods. My father works in the woods -- he harvests timber and doesn’t run tap lines, but he has a healthy distrust of most things connected with the government trying to help. I understand the fear that government engagement could mean new forest management standards, new regulations on food processing or labeling or any number of other things. If this market grows and expands as it might, creating new opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs, increased competition may mean changes in the way business is done now -- and that can be uncomfortable for people who have a comfortable niche and want to hold on to it. I get it. The concerns are legitimate.
The results speak for themselves. Few would argue that some of our most important agricultural products -- whether it is potatoes or blueberries or others -- have suffered as a result of the state’s investment of time and resources in marketing and market supports. The purpose of the study commission is not to foster new regulations or new controls or to waste money -- it is just the opposite. I want this commission to look for ways to make it possible to make our forests to be even more productive through the renewable activity of tapping and harvesting the sap.
Someone has to say this today -- so I might as well be the one. Maine’s maples may well be an “untapped resource” for sustainable growth in jobs, business revenues and tax revenues. The best way to find out is to get the right people around the table to talk about that. The study commission I am proposing would have six members of the Legislature -- two from the Senate and four from the House; five members appointed by the Governor to represent the maple industry, large landowners, small woodlot owners and other interested parties, as well as; representatives from the appropriate state agencies -- at the least -- Conservation, Agriculture, and the Finance Authority of Maine, but might involve other agencies like Economic and Community Development or Tourism or the International Trade Center for other components that should be considered.
At the end of the process, this study group will report back to the Legislature and if warranted -- we can come back together to work on a bill to support initiatives identified by the study commission.
I hope you will support this idea and send it to the floor with a unanimous recommendation. I’m happy to try to answer any questions you might have now or later and I will be available when you schedule a work session on the bill. Thank you for your attention and interest.
Good afternoon, Senator Sherman, Representative Edgecomb and distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. I am Matt Peterson and I represent District 92, which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to present L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.
It is a real privilege for me to present this bill. Last year, I met with a constituent in Rangeley Plantation who has a small commercial maple sugaring operation. He had one question for me -- Why isn’t the State of Maine during more to promote Maine Maple products on a regional, national and international basis? I didn’t have a good answer, so I did a little research -- and as a result, I am proposing this study commission to investigate what appears to be a very promising development and job creation opportunity for Maine’s woods.
I make no special claim to knowledge about forestry of woodlot management, no expertise on food production, nor any depth understanding of agricultural economics or product marketing. I’m just a guy from the Western Maine woods, whose family has worked in the woods for generations and who likes maple syrup on my pancakes on those special occasions that I get them.
Following my conversation, I did start doing some research and here’s what jumped out at me --
• Maine is one of the nation’s top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State.
• Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United State maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50% more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.
• Far and away the largest producer in North America is the Province of Quebec, Maine’s neighbor for much of our northern and western borders.
It looked like an opportunity, but left me with this question -- Given our forest resources, a growing export market for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, what could we do to better utilize this resource to create jobs and revenues for Maine people?
You know better than I what success other Maine producers -- potato farmers, blueberry growers, lobstermen -- have enjoyed as a result of superior product branding and some thoughtful assistance from the state in marketing and product development. I wondered if maple products would not offer another such opportunity for our state.
There were too many questions that I couldn’t answer, but the idea seemed too promising to just leave alone. As a result, I decided to propose a short-term study commission that would look at the information and determine if there was some value in making a major effort in this area. Specifically, I think we need someone that will report back to us about:
• Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar;
• Obstacles to expanded production;
• Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand;
• Value Added Processing potential and its economic implications;
• Increased export marketing potential and its economic implications;
• Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production;
• Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with North America’s largest producer, Quebec, and;
• Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would produce a tangible economic return.
We need jobs in Maine -- and in my part of Maine, where the woods have provided an important livelihood for many families, we are really hurting. Anything we can do to help us grow a sustainable resource-based industry that could employ people in a variety of areas -- is something we should take a hard look at.
I understand that there are obstacles to this bill. To start with, we don’t have any money -- and we certainly don’t have money to spend on studies or schemes if they won’t produce results. That is why we have included language that makes the study dependent upon outside funding for the initiative. Should this initiative be approved, I will begin immediately looking for funds to support the effort -- because I think more Maine jobs are possible by expanding our maple products industry.
I’ve also encountered some questions from a few maple producers. I understand the concern from people who spend a good bit of their time working in the woods and the rest of their time thinking about working in the woods. My father works in the woods -- he harvests timber and doesn’t run tap lines, but he has a healthy distrust of most things connected with the government trying to help. I understand the fear that government engagement could mean new forest management standards, new regulations on food processing or labeling or any number of other things. If this market grows and expands as it might, creating new opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs, increased competition may mean changes in the way business is done now -- and that can be uncomfortable for people who have a comfortable niche and want to hold on to it. I get it. The concerns are legitimate.
The results speak for themselves. Few would argue that some of our most important agricultural products -- whether it is potatoes or blueberries or others -- have suffered as a result of the state’s investment of time and resources in marketing and market supports. The purpose of the study commission is not to foster new regulations or new controls or to waste money -- it is just the opposite. I want this commission to look for ways to make it possible to make our forests to be even more productive through the renewable activity of tapping and harvesting the sap.
Someone has to say this today -- so I might as well be the one. Maine’s maples may well be an “untapped resource” for sustainable growth in jobs, business revenues and tax revenues. The best way to find out is to get the right people around the table to talk about that. The study commission I am proposing would have six members of the Legislature -- two from the Senate and four from the House; five members appointed by the Governor to represent the maple industry, large landowners, small woodlot owners and other interested parties, as well as; representatives from the appropriate state agencies -- at the least -- Conservation, Agriculture, and the Finance Authority of Maine, but might involve other agencies like Economic and Community Development or Tourism or the International Trade Center for other components that should be considered.
At the end of the process, this study group will report back to the Legislature and if warranted -- we can come back together to work on a bill to support initiatives identified by the study commission.
I hope you will support this idea and send it to the floor with a unanimous recommendation. I’m happy to try to answer any questions you might have now or later and I will be available when you schedule a work session on the bill. Thank you for your attention and interest.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Maple Marketing
The following editorial originally appeared in the 'Maine Opinion' section of the Bangor Daily News:
Maine’s next agriculture commissioner can work to hold the line on what seems like the inexorable decline of Maine’s small farms. That alone is a full-time job. And these small businesses, with their unique challenges, are worth saving for a host of reasons. But former Republican legislator and current dairy farmer Walter Whitcomb — who awaits likely confirmation as commissioner —also can focus his efforts on expanding niche export sectors.
The recent debate over designating the whoopie pie as Maine’s official state dessert, aside from generating a lot of letters to the editor and wisecracks, highlights the possibility. What seemed like an innocuous, uncontroversial bill touting a local treat sparked a campaign for another contender. Why not the blueberry pie, asked those who objected to the less-than-healthful qualities of the whoopie pie. And blueberries are a Maine crop worth promoting, both within the state and outside.
Another niche crop — if that is the right word — worth promoting is Maine’s maple sap. As a high value-added product, maple syrup holds great potential for Maine businesses. Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, has proposed creating a commission to study the potential for growing the maple syrup and maple sugar industry. Maine is the second-biggest producing state in the U.S., behind Vermont and ahead of New York. Yet Maine, Rep. Peterson notes, has 50 percent more of the kind of maple trees that produce the sweet stuff. Quebec province is the continent’s top producer.
Both blueberries and maple sweeteners are ripe — no pun intended — for promotion to a national population that may be ready to embrace healthful, pure foods. By virtue of Maine’s brand as an unspoiled place, our blueberries and maple syrup have a leg up on the competition. A concerted effort by the Department of Agriculture with state and private economic development and resource management staff could grow these businesses.
Mr. Whitcomb, after being confirmed, also should investigate other emerging agricultural niche commodities, especially those that are sold as value-added products.
Maine may not be able to compete with the megafarms of the Midwest for some crops, but the state must get its share of the pie — make that blueberry — of the growing market for healthful food.
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/02/06/opinion/maple-marketing/
Maine’s next agriculture commissioner can work to hold the line on what seems like the inexorable decline of Maine’s small farms. That alone is a full-time job. And these small businesses, with their unique challenges, are worth saving for a host of reasons. But former Republican legislator and current dairy farmer Walter Whitcomb — who awaits likely confirmation as commissioner —also can focus his efforts on expanding niche export sectors.
The recent debate over designating the whoopie pie as Maine’s official state dessert, aside from generating a lot of letters to the editor and wisecracks, highlights the possibility. What seemed like an innocuous, uncontroversial bill touting a local treat sparked a campaign for another contender. Why not the blueberry pie, asked those who objected to the less-than-healthful qualities of the whoopie pie. And blueberries are a Maine crop worth promoting, both within the state and outside.
Another niche crop — if that is the right word — worth promoting is Maine’s maple sap. As a high value-added product, maple syrup holds great potential for Maine businesses. Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, has proposed creating a commission to study the potential for growing the maple syrup and maple sugar industry. Maine is the second-biggest producing state in the U.S., behind Vermont and ahead of New York. Yet Maine, Rep. Peterson notes, has 50 percent more of the kind of maple trees that produce the sweet stuff. Quebec province is the continent’s top producer.
Both blueberries and maple sweeteners are ripe — no pun intended — for promotion to a national population that may be ready to embrace healthful, pure foods. By virtue of Maine’s brand as an unspoiled place, our blueberries and maple syrup have a leg up on the competition. A concerted effort by the Department of Agriculture with state and private economic development and resource management staff could grow these businesses.
Mr. Whitcomb, after being confirmed, also should investigate other emerging agricultural niche commodities, especially those that are sold as value-added products.
Maine may not be able to compete with the megafarms of the Midwest for some crops, but the state must get its share of the pie — make that blueberry — of the growing market for healthful food.
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/02/06/opinion/maple-marketing/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Lawmaker seeks study to boost maple syrup industry
By Terry Karkos, Staff Writer
Published Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am | Last updated Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am
RUMFORD — A local lawmaker wants Maine to tap into the unrealized potential for growing its maple syrup industry.
State Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, said Friday by e-mail that he's submitted a resolve to create a commission that would study the potential for expanding the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.
It would also determine how to strengthen the brand of Maine maple products to better utilize existing natural resources, create new value-added job opportunities, and expand export markets.
Maine is one of the nation's top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State, he said.
“Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United States maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50 percent more hard maple trees than Vermont forests, based on U.S. Forest Service inventories,” Peterson said.
The Province of Quebec in Canada, which borders much of Maine's northern and western boundaries, is the largest producer in North America.
“Given our forest resources, a growing export for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, the Maine Maple Commission will be established to examine the potential for growing Maine's maple industry,” Peterson said.
Using successful models that have already been employed to promote other Maine food product industries — including marine products and agricultural goods like potatoes — the commission would be tasked to examine:
* Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar.
* Obstacles to expanded production.
* Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand.
* Value-added processing potential and its economic implications.
* Increase export marketing potential and its economic implications.
* Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production.
* Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with Quebec.
* Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would generate a tangible economic return.
Peterson said the commission would be established and begin to function at the end of the first regular session of the 125th Maine Legislature. It would then make an interim report to the second regular session of the 125th, and be prepared to offer a complete report and recommendations to the 126th Maine Legislature.
The commission would be composed of two members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate president; two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; one representative each from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, and the Finance Authority of Maine; and five Maine citizens, appointed by Gov. Paul LePage, who would represent Maine maple producers, large landowners, and small woodlot owners.
The commission is to seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the study, subject to approval by the Legislative Council.
Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies.
That's why Peterson is seeking emergency status, because the commission's study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires.
On approval, the legislation would become effective.
The resolve was referred on Jan. 20 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
The committee will hold a public hearing on LD 109 at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in Room 206 of the Cross Office Building in Augusta.
http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/980302
Published Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am | Last updated Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am
RUMFORD — A local lawmaker wants Maine to tap into the unrealized potential for growing its maple syrup industry.
State Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, said Friday by e-mail that he's submitted a resolve to create a commission that would study the potential for expanding the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.
It would also determine how to strengthen the brand of Maine maple products to better utilize existing natural resources, create new value-added job opportunities, and expand export markets.
Maine is one of the nation's top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State, he said.
“Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United States maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50 percent more hard maple trees than Vermont forests, based on U.S. Forest Service inventories,” Peterson said.
The Province of Quebec in Canada, which borders much of Maine's northern and western boundaries, is the largest producer in North America.
“Given our forest resources, a growing export for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, the Maine Maple Commission will be established to examine the potential for growing Maine's maple industry,” Peterson said.
Using successful models that have already been employed to promote other Maine food product industries — including marine products and agricultural goods like potatoes — the commission would be tasked to examine:
* Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar.
* Obstacles to expanded production.
* Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand.
* Value-added processing potential and its economic implications.
* Increase export marketing potential and its economic implications.
* Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production.
* Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with Quebec.
* Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would generate a tangible economic return.
Peterson said the commission would be established and begin to function at the end of the first regular session of the 125th Maine Legislature. It would then make an interim report to the second regular session of the 125th, and be prepared to offer a complete report and recommendations to the 126th Maine Legislature.
The commission would be composed of two members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate president; two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; one representative each from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, and the Finance Authority of Maine; and five Maine citizens, appointed by Gov. Paul LePage, who would represent Maine maple producers, large landowners, and small woodlot owners.
The commission is to seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the study, subject to approval by the Legislative Council.
Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies.
That's why Peterson is seeking emergency status, because the commission's study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires.
On approval, the legislation would become effective.
The resolve was referred on Jan. 20 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
The committee will hold a public hearing on LD 109 at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in Room 206 of the Cross Office Building in Augusta.
http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/980302
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