Hi Friend,
The people of Maine face a critical choice and historic moment at the ballot box this November 2nd.
Referendum Question 3 will ask voters: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to declare that all individuals have a natural inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being?"
Maine is poised to become the first state to clearly secure the right to food in its State Constitution. The Right to Food referendum is the result of over eight years of work by a grassroots coalition of farmers, fishermen, food security activists, local foods advocates, and a bi-partisan group of legislators organizing to protect food sovereignty.
In 2017, this work resulted in Maine becoming the first state in the country to enact a food sovereignty law requiring the State to recognize local authority over direct farm-to-consumer food exchanges.
On July 2, 2021, lawmakers enacted the "Resolution, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Establish a Right to Food," with over 75% of legislators voting in support. Passage of this Resolution sends referendum Question 3 to Maine voters.
If voters support Question 3, the following language securing the right to food will be included in the Constitution of Maine's Declaration of Rights:
"Right to food. All individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to food, including the right to save and exchange seeds and the right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being, as long as an individual does not commit trespassing, theft, poaching or other abuses of private property rights, public lands or natural resources in the harvesting, production or acquisition of food."
Small and independent farm members, consumers, and FTCLDF readers who support the right to farming and consumption without government intervention should vote YES on this important proposed constitutional amendment. We urge Maine readers to VOTE, to support this proposed constitutional amendment, and secure the right to food.
Please share this alert with friends and family in Maine.
Alexia Kulwiec
Executive Director
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