Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 1678 Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation andForestry to Study and Report on Soil Carbon Sequestration Incentive Programs
Download a PDF of the testimony here
April 26, 2023
Senator Ingwersen, Representative Pluecker , and Honorable Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry,
My name is Nancy Smith, I live in Ellsworth, and I am the CEO of GrowSmart Maine. We are a statewide non-partisan non-profit organization helping communities navigate change in alignment with smart growth. We advocate for comprehensive policies and funding for smart growth practices and outcomes. As a former member of this committee, I am sorry that I am unable to share this testimony with you in person.
GrowSmart Maine is working in partnership with American Farmland Trust to support farm productivity and farm viability in Maine. With Planning for Ag, we offer online resources and direct community support, as well as advocacy in support of key bills such as LD 1678.
This bill highlights the climate action impact of sound forest management, agricultural practices, and land conservation strategies which may not currently be recognized in the marketplace for products or real estate.
We support this intention of this bill directing the Department to provide information to this committee, which can then draft legislation for the 2024 legislative session. This is a pragmatic approach to an important issue. GrowSmart Maine will assist the committee in any way that is helpful.