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Maine’s agricultural economy is the lifeblood of our rural communities, yet our farms are struggling under the weight of rising costs. From the empty shelves at local markets to fewer jobs and increasing food prices, the ripple effect of this struggle touches every Mainer.
Small farms and produce companies in towns like Palmyra and across our state are fighting to survive, and they urgently need our support. That’s why I think it is absolutely critical that Sen. Susan Collins supports the tax relief bill now before Congress.
Maine businesses can’t afford the tax hike that’s coming if Congress fails to extend the 2017 tax cuts this year. This vital legislation offers concrete relief for small businesses grappling with soaring expenses for fuel, equipment, shipping, and labor. For family-run farms, tax relief isn’t a break, it’s a bridge. It allows them to reinvest, upgrade aging infrastructure, and continue growing the food that Mainers depend on.
As both a public servant and a produce business owner, I witness firsthand the daily challenges and immense stakes for our agricultural sector. I believe Collins’s leadership in securing the passage of this tax bill would reaffirm her deep commitment to the people and industries that keep rural Maine strong.
The time for action is now. Let’s provide our local businesses with the tangible tools they need, not just to survive, but to truly thrive and continue feeding our communities for generations to come
Dean Cray
Palmyra
