As we approach the daunting one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and as we collectively strive to put the virus behind us, we are thankful for Governor Mills and the administration’s leadership and unwavering approach to protect Mainers’ safety.

On Friday, February 12th, the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association and a coalition of food and agriculture industries requested continued prioritization in Maine’s phase 1b COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan directly to Governor Mills and Commissioner Lambrew in a co-signed letter.

Our sector has worked tirelessly to ensure consistent and safe access to food and we are eager to continue to do so with a vaccinated workforce.

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The pandemic has put an unimaginable amount of stress on Maine’s food industry and the entire supply chain including various goods and products such as single-use paper bags. The Maine DEP evaluated the landscape and determined that due to the ongoing challenges to Maine’s businesses, it made sense to delay enforcement of Maine’s ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene.

Maine DEP delays enforcement of polystyrene foam and plastic bag bans. The department will exercise its enforcement discretion until July 1, 2021.

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Consumer Brands Honors Curtis Picard and Christine Cummings with Excellence in Government Affairs Award

Maine leaders recognized for their partnership with consumer packaged goods industry

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Brands Association announced today that Curtis Picard, president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine, and Christine Cummings, executive director of the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association (MGFPA), are the recipients of the 2020 Consumer Brands Association Excellence in Government Affairs award, presented virtually during this year’s Food Industry Association Executives annual meeting.

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Governor Mills Announced the Phase 2 of Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program Funding for an Expanded Pool of Maine Businesses & Non-Profits (click to read the announcement).

Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people will be eligible for grant rewards. The Department of Economic and Community Development estimates that nearly 3,000 more businesses and non-profit organizations will be eligible for grants as a result of the program’s expansion. The online Application portal will open on September 23, 2020 and will remain open until October 23, 2020.

*GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020*

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