Maine residents could soon get stronger and an inalienable right to cultivate and harvest their own food if the State Congress passes the Maine Food Sovereignty Act, which will be on a ballot in November, The Hill learns.
Considering the fact that the new bill – LD 95 – has passed through the State House of Representatives and Senate, its up to the Maine voters to decide whether or not food is a constitutional right, adding in the Constitution that “all individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being.”
As he introduced the bill, Maine Rep. Billy Faulkingham (R) testified that this amendment strengthens the people’s inalienable right to produce food for their own consumption.
Proponents of the bill can strengthen food security, reduce public hunger in the state and promote sustainable agriculture although individuals will still have to adhere to local and state food safety laws.
The bill faced opposition by animal rights and veterinary groups as well as others – including Rebecca Graham of the Maine Municipal Association- who believe the bill poses a threat to existing programs.
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