Menu includes food from small and family farms in 13 states

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said that trout from Maine will be featured as part of the state dinner for French President François Hollande at the White House tonight. The hardwood-smoked trout will be served during cocktail hour in a dinner that features food from small and family farms around the country.

"I'm glad the President and First Lady are showcasing small farmers for this meal and I'm especially proud that Maine-smoked trout will be the first thing the French President tastes tonight," Pingree said.

The dinner tonight is the first that the Obamas have hosted in nearly two years and the first state visit for a French president in twenty years. The four-course menu for tonight's dinner includes food from 13 states, as well as honey, vegetables and herbs from Mrs. Obama's kitchen garden on the White House lawn.

Pingree has been a strong advocate for local food and small and family farms. The Farm Bill that President Obama signed last week included numerous provisions she backed that will make it easier for farmers to sell their products locally and for consumers to access quality, fresh locally grown food.