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Providence Farm in Wilton is a family farm rooted in the belief that good food comes from careful stewardship of animals, land, and the community. Like many small farms across Maine, we rely on state and local laws that support responsible farming, food safety, and transparency for consumers.
We are concerned about the Save Our Bacon Act (SOBA) because this federal bill would weaken agricultural standards by overriding state laws that reflect local needs and values. States play an essential role in protecting animal welfare, encouraging sustainable practices, and allowing farmers to meet consumer demand for healthy food raised with care. Removing that authority replaces local decisionmaking with a one-size-fits-all approach that does not work for diverse farming communities.
SOBA would also tilt the playing field even further toward large, industrialized corporations. Small family farms depend on state and local policies to remain competitive. Stripping away those protections could push many independent farms out of business, reducing consumer choice and further consolidating food production in the hands of a few corporations.
Family farms already face challenges. Policies that undermine local control only add to those challenges and threaten the long-term viability of farms that prioritize healthy food over maximizing profit.
We believe the future of agriculture depends on diverse, locally rooted farms and strong community connections. We urge Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Rep. Jared Golden to reject the Save Our Bacon Act and stand up for family farmers, fair markets, and the rights of states to support responsible agriculture.
David Soule
Wilton