Maine lost a strong advocate last week when Agriculture Commissioner Bob Spear stepped down after almost seven years on the job. Being relatively new to the political process, I don’t understand why the commissioner was asked to resign at this juncture.

His health is fine, contrary to some rumors. He was a positive, proactive force on Maine’s forward-moving agricultural industry. In a time when it is difficult for the small and large farmer alike to prosper with the added burden of restrictions due to environmental concerns, the struggles in finding farm laborers and the homeland securities demands, Bob helped initiate programs that will move Maine forward and keep Maine farms productive.

A list of the initiatives started during the last seven years include: Farms for Maine’s Future, money for irrigation projects, funding for manure pits, Senior Farm Share, state meat inspection, “Get Real, Get Maine” promotions, Farm Land Protection, cattle health insurance, improved animal welfare programs, Big “E” promotions, surplus food products to soup kitchens, growth of the Agricultural Trade Show, “Ag in the Classroom” instruction, exploring export trade to Cuba and other countries, expanding the beef industry and improving relations with UMaine’s agricultural research.

These programs make it possible for more of Maine’s young farmers to stay in agriculture and stay in Maine.

As the result of Bob’s leadership and the hard work of Maine’s farmers, the future of agriculture in Maine is improving. In the last few years the gross farm revenue has increased from $480 million to $554 million in spite of high energy and feed costs.

I’m sure I speak for Maine farmers when I say, “Thank you, Bob, for all you have done for agriculture in Maine and hope you stay active on the farm scene in our state.”

Rep. Bill Browne

R-District 58

Vassalboro