We had our Holiday Party which was postponed to a new day — MONDAY — December 16th (due to the snowy Sunday) from Noon to 4pm at 3 Level Farm in South China. Please consider attending for a merry potluck, including (hopefully!) a vast spread of Christmas Curds to taste…including some of yours!
I look forward to heralding and toasting good tidings with you all as we begin a journey into a new year…
–Eric Rector
President, Maine Cheese Guild
On November 11th we held our Annual Meeting at the State of Maine Cheese Co. facility on Route 1 in Rockport.
Caitlin Hunter (Appleton Creamery) and Heather Donahue (Balfour Farm) were both re-elected to a seat on the Guild Board. Caitlin stepped down from her duties of Secretary of the organization, and Heather was nominated and then voted to replace Caitlin as Secretary.
We reviewed the State of the Guild, including its finances, and we made plans for the upcoming year in many areas: new workshops planned for the Spring (advanced workshops, as well as others focused on beginners and those interested in getting licensed to sell cheese), web site improvements, changes to the delivery of our newsletter, possible legislative action, the formation of an Events Committee, fundraising ideas, and many other things. We ALSO got to taste a lot of cheeses that were brought in for feedback!
It was a long meeting, but VERY productive. Thanks to everyone who attended.
MOFGA will sponsor a “Listening Session” with FDA representatives at the Augusta Armory on
August 19th between 9:30am and 12:30pm
This is the only session scheduled in Maine and one of only three in New England. This is an important opportunity for growers to communicate directly with FDA on the proposed rules.
The FDA has extended the public comment period, so those who cannot make the listening session can submit comments by Nov. 13, 2013.
Dave Colson, MOFGA’s Ag Services Director has put together a summary of the talking points that MOFGA has generated after reviewing the proposed rules that might be helpful.