Eleven of Maine’s 16 counties have poverty levels that exceed the national average. The International Energy Agency and World Health Organization have linked energy and poverty, claiming that equitable access to affordable energy is a crucial step toward economic development in rural areas. Maine spends approximately $4 billion per year on imported energy, and approximately […]
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Maine faces a wide range of economic development challenges, such as supporting entrepreneurship and small business development, workforce development issues, strengthening the retail sectors of communities around the state, and identifying sectors for cluster enhancement. These issues are important to state and local policymakers, economic development officials and practitioners, and Maine businesses and workers. This […]
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Natural resource agencies and institutions at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as private landowners, attempt to balance economic growth and environmental quality. Emphasis on environmental quality is evident in provisions of the most recent Farm Bills; in agricultural land preservation programs at the local, state and federal levels; and in legislative mandates […]
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Public perceptions and concerns about new renewable energy technologies, health and food safety issues, and environmental changes are important as misperceptions or inappropriate concerns can lead to: rejection of beneficial technologies, inappropriate food handling practices, or incorrect food choices. In terms of energy projects, local concerns focus on issues surrounding siting and localized impacts (environmental, […]
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Cooperative and cultural effects on resource harvesting are likely to influence forestry, fisheries, and agriculture in Maine through a variety of mechanisms. Maine’s local food industry is poised for growth that entails economic, environmental an social benefits. But to provide lasting positive impacts on all three fronts, local food organizations need to be socially and […]
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Decisions regarding the use and management of our natural resources are important for the state of Maine. If Maine is to take a leadership role in sustainable natural resource use, researchers and policymakers must be able to effectively communicate with Maine citizens about the economic, social, and environmental implications of local and statewide decisions regarding […]
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The agricultural and natural resource sector in Maine faces challenges from an array of natural hazards and financial disturbances. A significant amount of resources have been spent on minimizing such risks. However, for farmers, how to make optimal production decisions facing these risks? How to utilize the available financial instrument to better hedge risks? For […]
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