The town of Sedgwick, Maine, has issued its declaration of independence from state and federal food licensing regulation. Harnessing the populist power of town hall governance, the tiny rural village invoked its right to autonomous self-governance and adopted an ordinance declaring the right of local producers and processors to sell food without restriction by state or federal licensing requirements. "We hold", reads the ordinance, "that federal and state regulations impede local food production and constitute a usurpation of our citizens' right to foods of their choice."
The push for the ordinance began with an unsuccessful bid by small poultry processors to gain exemption from regulations requiring slaughter in licensed facilities and blossomed into a full scale denial of outside authority to regulate the handling and sale of food produced within municipal boundaries. Supporters of the ordinance say that regulation and licensing requirements have prevented the growth and expansion of family businesses that could ultimately create jobs for the community.
Three neighboring communities are considering following Sedgwick's lead, but the authority of the township to override state and federal regulations remains questionable at best. Opposition will likely be stiff, especially since federal funding for state meat and produce inspection facilities could be in jeopardy if small producers were allowed an exemption.
Fortunately, the people of Sedgwick have at least a few sympathetic ears in state government as the Maine legislature, much like Wisconsin's, prepares once again to hear bills allowing the sale of raw milk and easing regulation of homemade food products.
Whatever happens to the ordinance at the end of the day, Sedgwick provides a reminder of the authority inherent in a democracy that encourages direct participation. When enough towns like Sedgwick raise their voices to echo the same sentiment, the far-flung bureaucracy can no longer claim ignorance as an excuse for inaction.
Rich Lavigne
The push for the ordinance began with an unsuccessful bid by small poultry processors to gain exemption from regulations requiring slaughter in licensed facilities and blossomed into a full scale denial of outside authority to regulate the handling and sale of food produced within municipal boundaries. Supporters of the ordinance say that regulation and licensing requirements have prevented the growth and expansion of family businesses that could ultimately create jobs for the community.
Three neighboring communities are considering following Sedgwick's lead, but the authority of the township to override state and federal regulations remains questionable at best. Opposition will likely be stiff, especially since federal funding for state meat and produce inspection facilities could be in jeopardy if small producers were allowed an exemption.
Fortunately, the people of Sedgwick have at least a few sympathetic ears in state government as the Maine legislature, much like Wisconsin's, prepares once again to hear bills allowing the sale of raw milk and easing regulation of homemade food products.
Whatever happens to the ordinance at the end of the day, Sedgwick provides a reminder of the authority inherent in a democracy that encourages direct participation. When enough towns like Sedgwick raise their voices to echo the same sentiment, the far-flung bureaucracy can no longer claim ignorance as an excuse for inaction.
Rich Lavigne