Sen. Peter Edgecomb (R-Aroostook) has been named chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) for the 127th Maine State Legislature.
During the 125th Legislature, Sen. Edgecomb served as House chair of the committee. The panel has jurisdiction over the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. It also oversees agricultural fairs, animal welfare, food safety, state parks, historic sites, public lands and the Land Use and Planning Commission (LUPC).
“I am honored to be returning to the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. Our state’s economy is heavily based in farming and our natural resources, and I take the responsibility of heading up this committee very seriously,” said Sen. Edgecomb.
Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) made the appointment, and he noted Sen. Edgecomb’s personal experience in the agriculture sector as a benefit of having him chair the committee.
“With over 30 years as a self-employed Christmas tree farmer and a teacher of agriculture for 20 years, Senator Edgecomb has a unique perspective on Maine’s agricultural and natural resources-based economy,” said Sen. Thibodeau. “His previous experience on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee means that he will be able to jump right into the policies, while effectively and fairly handling the additional administrative and logistical tasks of serving as chair.”
In addition to his duties as chair, Sen. Edgecomb will also serve as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. Sen. Edgecomb had a long career in education, working as a teacher and then serving as superintendent of schools before retiring. During a fellowship at the University of Maryland, he worked in the U.S. Department of Education.
“Maine people are fortunate to have someone with Sen. Edgecomb’s experience on both of these committees,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot). “As we work to ensure Maine’s natural resources-based economy is prospering and that our students are prepared for the modern economy, Sen. Edgecomb’s knowledge and real world experience are an ideal match for the work of both of these panels.”
