The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com
Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock, is serving his fourth term in the Maine Senate, representing the people of District 3. He also represented District 111 for two terms in the Maine House of Representatives. Prior to his legislative career, Farrin served as the command chief master sergeant for the Maine Air National Guard, retiring in 2013 as its highest-ranking enlisted airman after nearly three decades of service.
Maine is a key player in the U.S. economy, and our farmers, seafood producers and manufacturers depend on global trade networks to thrive. From potatoes and blueberries to seafood and dairy, the success of Maine’s economy is inextricably linked to international markets. The strength of these markets — and, in turn, our economic stability — depends upon U.S. foreign aid programs.
For decades, foreign aid has helped stabilize regions at risk of falling into chaos — areas where U.S. involvement prevents conflicts from reaching our shores. This is the central principle of America’s “peace through strength” strategy, a framework that combines military might with diplomatic efforts to foster peace and global stability.
I witnessed just how valuable this foreign aid is to our national security during my National Guard deployment to Djibouti. Former Secretary of Defense and Gen. James Mattis highlighted the importance of foreign aid to our strategic defense when he stated, “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.”
The value of foreign aid goes beyond defense: it’s an economic multiplier, one that strengthens American industries, especially in states like Maine. When we support agricultural development abroad, we are not only promoting global food security, we are creating demand for American products. For Maine’s farmers, the success of foreign aid programs that stabilize and strengthen developing economies directly affects the international demand for their agricultural exports.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) plays a crucial role in making this possible. In fact, more than 80 percent of organizations that hold contracts with USAID are based in the U.S., including Maine businesses like Medical Care Development (MCD) Global Health in Hallowell and Konbit Sante in Falmouth. These organizations rely on funding from foreign aid programs to deliver critical health and development services, creating jobs and generating economic activity here in Maine.
This network of international assistance does more than just strengthen global trade — it ensures that Maine’s agricultural products continue to flow into growing markets. Cutting these programs results in thousands of lost contracts, and with it, the livelihoods of hardworking families. In 2024, our state exported $3.1 billion of goods to the world, directly supporting about 12,000 jobs. In Maine, these export-dependent jobs pay up to an estimated 18 percent above the national average.
We must also remember that our adversaries, namely China, are more than willing to step into the gaps we are leaving behind. Over the past 15 years, China’s economic development spending has expanded by 525 percent, allowing Beijing to gain significant influence over vulnerable regions, including Africa, Asia and Latin America. If we retreat from the global stage, these regions will turn to our enemies for infrastructure development, financial aid and trade partnerships. The more opportunities our economic competitors seize, the more it will undermine Maine’s ability to compete in international markets.
As we face increasing competition from countries willing to use their economic might to displace the U.S. in key markets, we must recognize the importance of sustaining our foreign aid programs. These programs create long-term stability and allow Maine’s farmers, fishermen and producers to continue thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.
Foreign aid is an indispensable tool for economic growth. By investing in foreign aid, we are protecting jobs here at home, ensuring the competitiveness of Maine’s agricultural industry, and reinforcing the United States’ position as a global economic leader.
At its core, foreign aid is a smart investment in both our national security and our economic future. It’s not just about helping others — it’s about ensuring that Maine’s economy continues to grow, that American businesses remain competitive and that our position in the global marketplace is secure.
