USA: Maine voters to consider right to food constitutional amendment

Published 2021년 11월 2일

Tridge summary

Maine voters are set to decide on a constitutional amendment that would guarantee every resident's right to grow, raise, harvest, produce, and consume their own food, as long as it's legally obtained. This amendment would mark a first in the US and is intended to support local food systems and challenge corporate control of the food supply. However, opponents raise concerns about food safety, animal welfare, and the potential for increased litigation. Despite these concerns, the amendment has already passed both chambers of the state Legislature and is set for a final vote on Tuesday.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

On Tuesday, Maine voters will consider amending the state constitution to guarantee every resident’s right to food, defined as the ability to “grow, raise, harvest, produce, and consume the food of their own choosing,” as long as it doesn’t involve trespassing, stealing, poaching, or other illegal activities. If passed, it would mark the first constitutional amendment of its kind in the United States. But it’s not immediately clear what the amendment would actually do. Proponents of the amendment, who have spent years advocating for it, argue that it will allow farmers to continue saving and exchanging seeds while enshrining the rights of hunters and fishermen. (Neither seed-saving nor hunters’ rights are under current direct threat from new laws or regulations.) More broadly, supporters say the amendment would support relocalizing the food system and challenge corporate control of the food supply. “It safeguards essential freedom while protecting against abuse. It’s Maine food ...

Source: Newfoodeconomy