[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING RUSSELL LIBBY, MAINE ORGANIC FARMING LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
recent passing of an influential leader in the sustainable agriculture 
movement, whom I have had the privilege to call a friend and colleague.
  For over 30 years, Russell Libby worked to create and support a food 
system in Maine that is healthier for our bodies, Earth, and 
communities. He spent 17 years of that serving a critical post as 
Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners 
Association (MOFGA), the largest organization of its kind in the 
country.
  During his tenure, the organization was instrumental in recruiting 
and mentoring the next generation of farmers, providing support for 
organic, sustainable agriculture practices, and connecting more 
consumers to local food and the people who produce it. A testament to 
MOFGA's success is its annual Common Ground Country Fair. The event now 
draws crowds of 60,000 people who want to learn about sustainable 
living, connect with local farmers and craftsmen, and enjoy Maine-grown 
food.
  As someone who started a small farm 40 years ago, it's been a 
pleasure to watch Maine's revitalized agricultural economy over the 
last decade. Today, our farmers markets are thriving, our restaurants 
receive national acclaim for their focus on local ingredients, and two 
trends have arisen in contrast to the national picture. Our acres of 
land in agricultural production are rising and the average ages of our 
farmers are declining. Much of this is due to Russell's leadership.
  But Russell's impact has not been contained to Maine. He was an 
effective and tireless advocate for national policy change. I was 
honored to invite him to Washington last May to testify before the 
House Agriculture Committee on the importance of passing a Farm Bill 
that better supports small, diversified farms.
  As an economist, farmer, and poet, Russell knew what he was talking 
about. He could point to the numbers to show positive effects smaller-
scale food systems have for our economy. He could speak from experience 
of the difficulties of operating a small farm. And he could clearly 
illustrate the good things that happen when we have a closer connection 
to the land and each other.
  Earlier this month, we lost Russell to cancer at age 56. It's a 
tragic loss for our state and country, considering all we still have to 
do. Personally, I will deeply miss his friendship, wisdom, and advice. 
It's my hope that this body will do well by him and take his vision to 
heart. ``I'm really not interested in standing over here in the local 
and organic corner for the rest of my life and waving, `Hi, we're 
having fun over here,''' Russell said. ``I'm really interested in this 
kind of food being available to everybody under the basic principle: 
enough for everyone, always.''

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