Longtime Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Director Russell Libby succumbs to cancer at age 56

From artist Robert Shetterly's series, "Americans Who Tell the Truth"

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the death of Russell Libby, a well-known advocate for local and organic farming in Maine, and long time President of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA.) Libby died at home in Mt. Vernon this morning following a long battle with cancer.

I'm terribly saddened by the loss of my dear friend and colleague Russell Libby. I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Russell for many years—first at MOFGA and more recently as Congress has worked on the latest reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Throughout, I have always looked up to Russell and relied on his wisdom and knowledge on everything from theoperations of our farm to changing national policy. He was one of a kind, and his passing is a terrible loss to the entire state.

Maine's thriving farming community wouldn't be where it is today without Russell and his work at MOFGA. He has been critical to so many aspects of the local food movement here in Maine, whether it's been organic training, recruiting new farmers, improving infrastructure, or advising major operations like MOO Milk. The thousands of people attending the Common Ground Country Fair who are passionate about eating Maine food and supporting local farmers are a testament to his work. If I am able to create policy in Washington that better supports regional food systems, it will be because I can point to successes in Maine that Russell has contributed to.

Donald and I will both miss Russell's friendship, and our thoughts are with his wife, Mary Anne, and everyone at MOFGA. But his passion, counsel, and influence will never be far away. Even though I can't call him anymore, I'll continue to ask, 'What would Russell say?'