Maine Farm Bureau lobbies on behalf of equestrians!
We would like to see the California Farm Bureau embrace the equestrian community following the example set by the state of Maine.
From the Maine Farm Bureau Association:
The Maine Farm Bureau Horse Council (MFBHC) was formed in 1995. MFBHC is a state horse council affiliated with the American Horse Council. Locally, our council is a branch of the Maine Farm Bureau Association. Both organizations are statewide, private, non-profit, grassroots organizations funded through membership dues.
Our mission is to preserve, promote and protect horses, horse-related activities and the equine industry in the state of Maine. Membership in MFBHC offers many benefits to the horse owner and the horse-related business owner. By joining, you will be working to protect your rights as a horse owner and business owners will have valuable marketing and networking opportunities.
We have many wonderful ways for you to get involved... theHorse Council, the Young Farmers & Ranchers program,Women's/Agricultural Education are very active groups
Maine Farm Bureau Assn.
4 Gabriel Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: (207) 622-4111, Tel: 1-800-639-2126
The Maine Farm Bureau has:
- Worked to introduce legislation in Augusta and Washington, D.C.
- Worked to maintain open space and lands to provide great recreational opportunities
- Worked for private property rights protection
- Provided industry-wide leadership on animal welfare issues
- Educated people about the importance of agriculture through media and Ag in the Classroom
- Offered members benefit programs including affordable insurance and discount programs on products and services for members
- Drafted, sponsored and enacted an Equine Limit to Liability Law, which will help to protect all Maine horse owners from frivolous lawsuits.
- Abolished the “hay tax” on hay sold for equine consumption. Maine horse owners no longer have to pay state sales tax on products used in agricultural production.
- Stopped efforts to impose stable licensing laws.
- Sponsored repeal of “Damage by Animals” law, which held horse owners liable for damage and/or personal injury caused by their horses, regardless of fault.
- Sponsored amendment of “Landowner Liability” law to include horse-related activities, making private landowners more likely to allow others use of their land.
- Teamed with the equestrian community in 2006 to raise funds for an equine economic study which revealed: There are roughly 35,000 horses in the state of Maine. Their direct economic impact was $191 million and accounted for 3,650 jobs. Their combined economic impact (direct and indirect) accounted for $364 million and 5,700 jobs. Those horses and their owners made 87,500 trips to the state’s public lands.
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