AUGUSTA – Maine’s Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Edwin “Ned” Porter defended himself this weekend against charges that he may not have enough hands-on agricultural experience to lead the department.

Porter will be acting commissioner when Robert Spear leaves his post next month, and he is actively lobbying to be appointed to the head position.

“Between my time working on agriculture issues in Washington and serving as deputy commissioner, I have developed and had a hand in developing policy, legislation and programs as varied as federal crop insurance reforms and state agricultural water policy,” Porter said. “I have also worked on two farm bills – once in D.C. and the second time from Augusta.”

Porter said that this background in federal policy will serve Maine well during negotiations for the 2007 Farm Bill.

“For more than 10 years my focus has been Maine farmers,” Porter said. “I have worked with individual farmers and grower groups to help navigate through Congress or the federal government and to be their voice in Augusta.”

Porter also said he can be valuable as the agriculture industry moves forward. “Farmers are the backbone of many parts of rural Maine,” Porter said. “The best way to keep rural communities healthy is to ensure that farms are profitable. The department is working for all sectors of the farm economy so they are sustainable and providing opportunities for Maine citizens.

“We have to build on our accomplishments.” he said.

Porter said he will help find ways to help farmers who choose to compete in the markets affected by global pressures, as well as developing ways to improve the demand for local food and the ability to produce it competitively.

“In other words, help Maine farmers grow more of what Mainers eat and convince local consumers to buy more of what farmers produce locally,” he said.

Porter added “I relish the opportunity to lead the department and to work with the industry as we confront some of the challenges ahead – maintaining competitiveness, creating opportunities, increasing markets and managing risks.”