WHEREAS,  recent statistics show that farming in Maine has grown, and Maine continues to lead the New England states with 8,174 farms; the value of Maine's crops and livestock grew 24% over the past 5 years; and

WHEREAS,  Maine's agricultural enterprises provide more than $764 million through the sale of farm products and contribute more than $2 billion annually to the State's economy, and Maine agricultural products are increasingly available locally in farmers' markets, schools and institutions; and

WHEREAS,  Maine farmers are the stewards of 1.45 million acres of land, a vital resource in maintaining Maine's rural economy; and

WHEREAS,  Maine is a world leader in the production of wild blueberries and brown eggs, third in the Nation in the production of maple syrup, eighth in the Nation in the production of fall potatoes, first in New England in the production of food, first in New England in the value of aquaculture sales, second in New England in milk and livestock production, and is the fastest-growing artisanal cheese-producing state in the country and is the only state involved in the commercial production of fiddleheads; and

WHEREAS,  agriculture has always been a part of Maine's prosperity, comprising much of Maine's scenic open space, providing recreational opportunities and contributing to the character of Maine's rural communities; now, therefore, be it