Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 JA N UA R Y 1 1 , 2 0 1 6 really are in position now, we have all the functions covered, and at this point we're saying, 'Let's go get the waste.'" Converging interests Wintle and Bell's food-waste-as- renewable-energy sales pitch dovetails with a growing push by the federal and state governments to reduce food waste and especially keep it out of landfi lls. On Sept. 16, Environmental Pro- tection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy joined with Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce the United States' fi rst-ever national food waste reduction goal, which calls for a 50% reduction by 2030. "By reducing wasted food in landfi lls, we cut harmful methane emissions that fuel climate change, conserve our natu- ral resources and protect our planet for future generations," McCarthy said at the launch of the initiative. e two federal agencies single out anaerobic digestion and bio-gas produc- tion as key components of "cross-cutting strategies" to achieve national economic and environmental goals that include: ¡ Reducing greenhouse gas emis- sions by capturing and burning methane, thereby decreasing its production and release at landfi lls ¡ Generating renewable energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels ¡ Advancing sustainable develop- ment by producing a local source of renewable heat and electricity ¡ Creating nutrient-rich soil amend- ments that can be used instead of some conventional fertilizers. In December, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1 st District, introduced "A Food Recovery Act" bill that includes nearly two dozen provisions to reduce food waste across the country. In addi- tion to removing barriers that prevent the donation of surplus food, Pingree's bill supports "food-waste-to-energy projects at the farm, municipal and county levels" by creating "an infra- structure fund to support construction of large-scale composting and food waste-to-energy facilities in states that restrict food waste going to landfi lls." Since Oct. 1, 2014, Massachusetts has imposed a food waste ban on commer- cial businesses and institutions that dis- pose of one ton or more of food or other organics per week. Bell says that law provides a major boost to Agri-Cycle Energy's food collection tonnage, with Meet Adam Robertson, Business Banker, and Avid Fisherman. www.bhbt.com • 888-853-7100 Adam knows landing the big one requires the right location, the right lure, and a dose of persistence. He understands that the best catch requires preparation and patience. With over 20 years of experience in both money management and business banking, Adam has all the tackle you'll need for a well-stocked financial services package. Call Adam at 1-888-853-7100 for a partner who can help reel in a bright future for your business. Greg, Anne, and the Dalton boys. "New distillery ideas can be very speculative. When our business needed financing, nobody we approached would help us out. But FAME did. Every person we dealt with at FAME was helpful and has been a partner for us. They are willing to listen and work with you. I don't think we would have been able to get this company off the ground if we hadn't obtained the initial loan we did from FAME." Chris Dowe Managing Partner/Master Distiller, Cold River Vodka Helping Maine Businesses Succeed Since 1983 1-800-228-3734 • FAMEmaine.com C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

• Cover