agriculture

While some parts of Maine saw rain over the weekend, drought conditions are still in effect. They're affecting all types of crops — from apples to potatoes to wild blueberries. But the biggest challenge may be for farmers who grow hay to feed their livestock.

Industry officials say a wet spring followed by prolonged drought has made it a difficult year for honeybees and other pollinators.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says about 80% of Maine is in some sort of drought condition.

The report from the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association finds total sales of organic products nearly doubled from 2007 to 2022, to nearly $50 million.

However, the Wild Blueberry Commission is scrambling for backup options after the Trump administration abruptly cancelled a $15.5 million irrigation infrastructure grant.

Scientists say Maine potato crops are at high risk for late blight- a destructive disease that devastated Maine's potatoes in 2009.

The measure requires farmworkers to be paid the state minimum wage, more than double the federal minimum wage.

One provision of the bill would require home sellers to disclose whether their private well was tested for the "forever chemicals."

The two senators spoke during committee hearings where Cabinet secretaries fielded a variety of questions about the president's cost-cutting measures and policy priorities.

Those attending the rally, organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and other groups, said the funding cuts, contract suspensions and other changes are especially challenging for small farms.