As a lifelong farmer, I feel fortunate to have been able to experience firsthand the power of knowing where my food comes from and the joy of being able to support my community with this most basic need.

But for adults and kids today, the source of their food can be a mystery or something they take for granted.

We have a responsibility to this generation and the next to ensure that the heritage industries that have been the backbone of Maine’s economy and identity for decades are not lost. By facilitating the development of these skills in our public education system, we can see these traditions carried forward. This session, I’ve introduced a bill to do just that.

LD 1682 would create a grant program to facilitate new staff positions within participating public schools dedicated to providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities related to gardens, food and agriculture to improve healthy academic, physical and emotional development for students.

The bill would also establish the Maine Experiential Education Program Fund within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, to provide ongoing resources to support the program.

This bill had a public hearing April 26 before the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

The program has the potential to equip the next generation of Maine children with the tools they need to feed themselves and their families, and to be responsible and thoughtful stewards of our land.

Rep. Kathy Shaw, House District 88 (part of Auburn)