AGCOM Report meeting w/Congressman Golden
April 18,2025
Attention: MCTA MEMBERS
Hi all,
Our AGCOM committee had requested a meeting with Congressional members
Pingree, King and Golden and to date have met with all three. The topic of each
meeting was on the subject of “Tarriffs” and the most important things that affect the
Christmas tree growers of Maine. The following was my comments that I presented to
each in a 2-3 minute talk as each stakeholder in AGCOM gave their individual groups
take on the topic. The entire time was condensed to 30-40 minutes so it was all quite a
short talk. The conservative congress members have not given us a time as of yet.
As there are many different areas that concern Christmas tree growers, I had to
cherry pick areas of Importance that I felt I could speak briefly to.
1. The University of Maine co-operative extension in its various capacities is most
Valuable-In Soil health services, pathology, pest and plant problems and health
of trees.
2. NRCS (natural resources conservation services) that is very important when farm
help is needed.
3. USDA (United States dept of agriculture) a many facitated arm of government to
help farmers. Consisting of irrigation help, labor, crop advisory and insurance.
4. State pesticides and pest problems, which affect many if not all growers at one
Time or another.
I would guess that is barely the tip of the iceberg regarding funding loss that would
touch most growers. I have asked for input to take to AGCOM in cases such as this
but have not had much on the subjects in the way of input!
Congressman Golden did say he would welcome letters addressing subjects of
concern, sent to his office directly and not to agencies and/or the administration so
he can speak to problems himself. He seems to be quite concerned but, things are
changing daily.
It was noted that MOFCA ORGANIZED A tractor brigade to make a formal protest
of the situation.
Good feedback and communication is key to getting feelings heard. Congressman
Golden did say that there is headway being made, but some policies may stay.
Gary Fisher (AGCOM REPRESENTATIVE)